Sword, scabbard and tassel: V.S.N.

1860-1875

Place madeSolegin, Germany, Europe

Steel, brass, fish skin, textile, gilding; leather, brass, gilding

Overall: 35 x 5 x 2 7/8 in. ( 88.9 x 12.7 x 7.3 cm )

Gift of Miss Louise M. Coleman

1957.240ab

According to the accession records, this sword once belonged to the donor's uncle Samuel Matlack Coleman (1842-1875), who served in the U.S. Navy as Secretary to Admiral W. C. Leroy, Commander-in-Chief. When Coleman died in Rio de Janeiro, his belongings, including this sword, were returned to his brother in Brooklyn, Robert N. Coleman, father of the donor.

DescriptionSword with slightly curved, single-edged steel blade with two fullers, one broad and one narrow, and naval insignia etched on obverse and reverse; gilded brass counter-guard with initials "USN" molded in relief on underside of openwork oak leaf and acorn decoration on obverse side; grip covered in fish skin and wrapped with twisted wire; helmet-shaped pommel with oak leaf and acorn border and eagle in oval frame studded with thirteen stars molded on top; tassel on strip of gold metallic cloth tape attached to knuckle-bow; dolphin head at end of knuckle-bow joining pommel, and dolphin head finial on quillon; leather scabbard with gilded brass carrying ring mounts, which are cast in high relief and resemble knotted rope (tip missing).

Markingsetched: on obverse of blade: "US" stamped: on reverse of blade below hilt: "W. / CLAUBERG" and "SOLINGEN" above and below a figure in armor etched: on reverse of blade: "IRON / PROOF" and "U.S. / N." (on banner)

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: SWORD