1852 Naval Sword Question

[ruhoos]

Visited a prominent relic shop in Gettysburg and picked up this Naval Sword. It is approximately 36" long with slightly over 1" blade width. I know the basic information regarding it, but would really appreciate any help with some questions I have:
- What is the significance of the "Monitor" engraving?
- Most of the other 1852 swords have USN and a anchor on the blade. Mine has "U.S." and a eagle. Is this just a variation?

Thank you all. This newbie collector really appreciates the help.

 

[R. Porter]

It would appear from the squish marks on the side of the pommel that the hilt and blade were separate from one another after original manufacture. That would facilitate the exchange of blades. Of course, that is not to say that the blade that is attached to the hilt is not original. It's just an observation.

I am not familiar with naval officer swords. Consulting a book on naval officers swords it would appear that their blades exhibit anchor motifs. It also seems that there were a number of officers who served on THE Monitor, but when the ship's name appears on a sword it is engraved on the hilt or scabbard, not etched into the blade.

Personally, until evidence can be found to the contrary, I would assume that you have a naval hilt married to an army blade at some unknown period in the past by some unknown individual for some unknown reason.

Let me stress that I am not an expert and my experience with naval officer swords is minimal.

 

[Patrick H]

I don't know much about swords, but I think you made a nice acquisition!

 

[ruhoos]

It would appear from the squish marks on the side of the pommel that the hilt and blade were separate from one another after original manufacture. That would facilitate the exchange of blades. Of course, that is not to say that the blade that is attached to the hilt is not original. It's just an observation.

I am not familiar with naval officer swords. Consulting a book on naval officers swords it would appear that their blades exhibit anchor motifs. It also seems that there were a number of officers who served on THE Monitor, but when the ship's name appears on a sword it is engraved on the hilt or scabbard, not etched into the blade.

Personally, until evidence can be found to the contrary, I would assume that you have a naval hilt married to an army blade at some unknown period in the past by some unknown individual for some unknown reason.

Let me stress that I am not an expert and my experience with naval officer swords is minimal.

I appreciate the response and your assessment seems 100% spot on. Took the sword back to the shop and they agreed that it wasn't accurately described and gave me a full refund.