Sword

United States of America Naval sword, the hilt of the sword consists of pierced gilt half-basket guard with a dolphin-shaped quillon, which is embossed with the letters 'U S N' and a design of oak leaves and acorns. The top of the pommel is embossed with an eagle and the sides decorated with a design of oak leaves. The white fish-skin grip is bound with three gilt wires, the grip and the pommel curve down.

The slightly curved, flat-backed steel blade is grooved to within 229mm of the double-edged spear point. The obverse of the blade at the shoulder is engraved with a proof mark, and is decorated by a design of lines in which the owner's name could be inserted, along with the arms of the United States of America over a foul anchor, fourteen stars with decoration above and below, a trophy of masts, sails, axes, a trident and a flag bearing the letters 'USN'. The reverse of the blade is engraved with decoration, an eagle in his glory standing on a gun, more decoration, a foul anchor followed by decoration, the letters 'U.S.N' on a scroll, yet more decoration, acorns and oak leaves over a figure-of-eight knot, and finally further more decoration. The back of the blade is also engraved with a motif of leaves. The black leather scabbard has two gilt lockets and chape. Bands made in the form of plaited ropes support the rings on the lockets. The shoe of the chape is made in the form of a dolphin. A United States Naval sword knot, presented by Commander Postel of the United States Navy was attached to this sword in September 1974.

Object Details

ID: WPN1192
Collection: Weapons
Type: Sword
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Places: United States of America
Date made: 1862
People: United States Navy; Postel, Warren Fred
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 80 x 915 x 125 mm
Parts: Sword