The obverse is dominated by an eagle on a shield with a band of stars above and flanked by flags and leafy sprays. The guard is an open half basket with cutouts on the obverse and reverse. The hand formed grip is snakeskin wrapped with triple gilded wire. The pommel top is a simple cap surrounded by deeply chased oak leaves with the head of Neptune at its rear. It is a French (Klingenthal) made presentation grade cavalry officers sword with naval motifs including USN on the blade.

This sword is totally out of character for a naval officer but nevertheless was worn by one. Cavalry Sword Worn By Naval Officer (Book Plate 2.87) Graham / Lake Champlain 11th Septem'r, 1814.'Įtched: on reverse of blade near center: 'Altius ibunt qui ad / summa nituntur.84. Markings stamped: on reverse of blade near hilt: 'ROSE'Įtched: on reverse of blade near hilt: 'MEER'Įtched: on obverse of blade near center: 'Midshipman John H. 195).ĭescription Presentation sword with straight, double-edged steel blade with etched designs and inscriptions covering approximately three quarters of obverse and reverse gilded brass hilt with large counter-guard on obverse with eagle, anchors, flags, and a cannon molded on front, a rosette in an open circle at either side, and the initials 'US' separated by a wreath molded on the back four-sided grip with full-length figure of a mermaid holding a vase above her head in high relief on obverse and reverse pierced knuckle-bow with oval medallion bearing a classical head in relief profile at center pommel in the form of a helmeted head opposite which projects a curved branch terminating in a disk ornamented on both sides with a rosette, to which the upper end of the knuckle-bow is attached leather scabbard with gilded brass throat and middle band, each with one carrying ring (tip missing) throat molded with anthemion-like design based on the form of a trident middle band molded with leaf and berry spray. All of these swords were of a uniform pattern, and at least the blades were made by William Rose (1783-1854) of Philadelphia (see 'The American Sword,' p. After the War of 1812, Congress decided to award certain naval officers with presentation swords.

Civil war us navy presentation sword