Former owner Titus M. Coan

U.S. Navy Sword and Scabbard

ca. 1863

Place madeUnited States, North America

orEurope

Steel, brass, fish skin; leather, brass

Overall: 35 1/2 x 5 x 2 7/8 in. ( 90.2 x 12.7 x 7.3 cm )

Gift of Joseph Dunlap

1969.36ab

According to the accession records, this sword was worn by Surgeon Titus M. Coan, U.S. Navy, from 1863 to 1865.

DescriptionSword with slightly curved, single-edged steel blade with two fullers, one broad and one narrow, and etched designs on obverse and reverse; brass hilt with grip covered in gray fish skin and wrapped with braided wire; oval counter-guard with openwork oak leaf and acorn design on obverse with "USN" molded in relief on underside; helmet-shaped pommel with an eagle in an oval frame studded with thirteen stars molded on top and an oak leaf and acorn border centering a flower and stamped stars below; dolphin head at end of knuckle-bow joining pommel, and dolphin head finial on quillon; leather scabbard with brass carrying ring mounts, which are cast in high relief and resemble knotted rope, and brass tip with drag with fish-like appearance similar to "dolphins" on hilt; remnants of leather slings on metal clips attached to carrying rings.

Markingsetched: on reverse of blade: "USN" on banner

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: SWORD