U.S. Infantry Officer's Sword, Pattern 1821-1832
Culture
American
Date1821–1832
Mediumsteel, brass, silver, gilding, bone
Dimensions2.5 × 81 × 94 cm (1 × 31 7/8 × 37 in.), 1 lb, 7 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.356
DescriptionStraight steel backsword blade with flat back & wide shallow fuller on both faces from ricasso to spear point. Blued forte with gilded etched foliate groups & martial trophies. Brass stirrup hilt, once silvered, with curved rear quillon having discoid terminal. Knuckle guard plugs into base of brass "shrieking" eagle pommel. Brass band ferrule at base of white bone grip (now split) carved with alternating striated & leaved spiralled bands.
Label TextSince the eighteenth century, swords and their mountings have often been affected by military uniform regulations. While this particular sword is of a model that was in service until 1840, traces of silvering on the brass hilt indicate that it was made to comply with Army infantry officer uniform requirements in effect from 1821 to not later than 1832.ProvenanceMacIntosh collection (#46); purchased by the Museum in December 1970. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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