Presentation Sword and Scabbard
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Captain Thomas R. Mead
(American, 1836 - 1862)
ManufacturerManufactured by
Tiffany & Company
(American, founded 1837)
ManufacturerBlade manufactured by
The Collins Company
(American, founded 1826)
Date1861
MediumSteel, gilded brass, sliver, gold bullion fabric
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (overall length): 38in. (96.5cm)
Other (blade length): 32in. (81.3cm)
Other (blade length): 32in. (81.3cm)
ClassificationsWeapons
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Helen Kilgus
DescriptionSlightly curved, single edged sword with two fullers and a false edge extending 10 inches from the point. The first fuller is wide and shallow and begins at the ricasso and goes 9 1/2 inched from the point. The second fuller is deep and narrow and begins 5 inches from the hilt and extends to 11 inches short of the point. The blade is very elaborately etched on both sides, with the obverse side etched with (top to bottom): floral sprays, curling vines and leaves, war trophies of flags and a knight’s helmet, a lions head among scrolling designs, scrolling designs with vines, a soldier with moustache and wearing a long frock coat and cape, and leaning on a sword. The reverse side of the blade is etched with (top to bottom): floral sprays, a helmet and sword interwoven among scrolling floral designs, "U.S.", more scrolling floral designs, Lady Liberty wearing a plumed helmet and holding a spear, and below her feet is etched: "TIFFANY & Co. / NEW. YORK." The ricasso is stamped on both sides, on obverse with "1861" an on the reverse with "COLLINS & CO / HARTFORD / CONN." The hilt is gilded brass with a very wide back on the guard (approx. 2") and a long cylindrical scrolling finial with floral design in the center. The guard is pierced with the letters "U.S.", interwoven among floral designs and vines, on the obverse side. The knuckle bow is pierced for a sword knot at its base and connects to the pommel, which is of an alternative Phrygian helmet style. The pommel features wreath decoration along the outside that meet along each side to form a bow, and a shield on the back side with a single five pointed star above it. The handle is hollow silver with spiraling grooves that are then wrapped in a silver coiled wire. Attached to the knuckle bow is a gold tape fabric sword knot with gold tassel made of gold bullion wire. The scabbard is japanned black metal with gilded brass bands and drag. The top band has a single carrying ring and features an engraved monogram of the letters "US" above the carrying ring band which is engraved with a floral design. The reverse side of the top band is engraved (above carrying ring band) with: "Lieut. Thos. R. Mead. / from / Co. G. 10th CONN. VOLrs. / A token of their regard for / him as an officer & a man / For gallant conduct at Roanoke & Newburn." Stamped above that is "TIFFANY & CO". The middle band features the same floral design, while the tip is engraved with an eagle and shield surrounded by scrolling designs on the front, and a shield with thirteen stars on the back. The drag features a symmetrical scrolling design.
Object number1979.35.1a-c
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