Presentation Sword and Scabbard
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Hervey Fitts Jacobs
(American, 1838 - 1863)
Date1862
MediumSteel, brass, leather, shagreen (sharkskin), wood
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (overall length): 35 1/4in. (89.5cm)
Other (blade length): 30 1/4in. (76.8cm)
ClassificationsWeapons
Credit LineGift of Mary Means Huber
Object number2004.130.2a-c
DescriptionSingle edged, slightly curved sword with a false edge extending 8 inches from the point. There are two fullers on the blade, the first fuller is wide and shallow and runs from 1/2 inch from the hilt to the point. The second fuller is deep and narrow and begins at the hilt and also goes to the point. The blade of the sword is also slightly wider for 1/3 of the section towards the point. Both sides of the blade are etched with floral designs and war trophies. The back of the blade is engraved with an illegible foreign language, which confirms its foreign manufacture, most likely German. There is a red felt washer at the base of the blade, on the hilt. The hilt of the sword is cast brass and features a pierced guard on the obverse side in a floral design with the reverse side slightly turned up. The quillon terminates at the back of the blade in a scrolling disc finial. The knuckle bow is pierced at the bottom for a sword knot and connects to the pommel, which is of the Phrygian helmet pattern cast with leaf designs along the outside edges. The handle is wood wrapped with light colored shagreen (sharkskin), and then wrapped with coiled wire in those grooves. What remains of the scabbard is leather with brass bands, carrying rings, and tip with drag. Engraved on the reverse side of the throat band, above the ring, is: "Presented / to / Lieut / Hervey F. Jacobs / by his / Norwich friends / Sept. 15th 1862". Attached to the knuckle bow of the sword is a leather sword knot.
NotesHistorical Note: Hervey Fitts Jacobs (1838-1863) enlisted in the 26th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry on 29 August 1862. He mustered in on 10 November 1862 as a 2nd lieutenant of F Company. He was involved in the battles at Port Hudson, Louisiana that took place from May to July 1863. On 14 June 1863, during the third assault on Port Hudson, Lieutenant Jacobs was wounded; he died of his wounds on 5 July 1863.Status
Not on view
