Model 1902 Officer's Saber, Presented to Col. Harry Cutler
Manufacturer
Ridabock Company
Dateabout 1900–1925
Mediumnickel-plated steel with etching, silvered brass, horn
Dimensions96.5 × 81.9 cm (38 × 32 1/4 in.), 1 lb, 11 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.291.1
DescriptionSteel single edge slightly curved blade. Long ricasso, slightly rounded back & rudimentary false edge. Wide deep fuller near back on both faces, from ricasso to false edge. Much of length etched & gilded with trophied groups & scrolling foliation. Silvered brass 3/4 basket hilt with short scrolled rear quillon & recurving bar on obverse with space filled by leaved tendrils & central oval with engraved device of fraternal order (modified cross moline with Gothic "IFF[FIJ?]", date "1818" & central intertwined monogram "CHOP"). Curved knuckle guard slotted for knot. Modified bird's head pommel with backstrap & turned ferrule at base of black horn grip molded to fingers. Pommel carved with shield of Republic & laurel leaves.
Label TextDuring the 1800s, presentation swords became a favorite way to express appreciation for a military officer's service. This sword was presented to Harry Cutler, who served as the first president of the National Jewish Welfare Board of the Army and Navy from 1917 to 1921. In 1912 Cutler had hosted William Howard Taft at a seder in his home in Providence, Rhode Island--the first time a sitting American president had ever attended the traditional Passover meal.ProvenanceMacIntosh collection (#3); purchased by the Museum in December 1970. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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