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Toledo 1873 Presentation Sword

President Ulysses S. Grant

Sword: The blade of this presentation sword is slightly curved and single-edged. Both sides are decorated in silver, gold, and blue chasing. On the obverse, there are silver scroll designs and floral sprays on a gold background, and a list of Grant's Civil War battles cast in gold writing on a black banner. The banner intertwines with the floral sprays. Towards the bottom of the blade, there is a blue cluster of weapons with a Spanish helmet, battle axe, sword, and shield. There is also a blue monogram that reads, "USG". On the reverse of the blade, there is a similar floral and scroll design. The banner reads "LET / US / HAVE / PEACE". There is also a cluster of weapons that is identical to the group on the obverse. The grip of the sword is ivory, and has been wrapped with gilt wire approximately 21 times. It has a gold and silver metal backstrap that bears a similar design as the blade, as well as a similar cluster of weapons. The pommel is rounded and is an extension of the grip's backstrap. The knuckleguard is an ornate large piece of metal with scroll designs cast in the center, along with a large eagle with a US shield around its neck holding an "E / PLURIBUS / UNUM" banner under 13 gold stars. The counterguard is a half basket shape and is a continuation of the intricate knuckleguard. It terminates in a small quillon.

Date

1873

Type

Sword and Scabbard

Medium

metal, gilt (scabbard material)

Department

NMAH

Institution

National Museum of American History

Object number

nmah_420957