Presentation sword

Object/Artifact

Historic Hudson Valley

Name/Title

Presentation sword

Entry/Object ID

SS.69.6

Description

A. Dress sword: Triple edged concave blade, with blued forte section, bearing gilt panels engraved with floral designs, drum, quiver of arrows; hilt-curved eagle-headed gilt pommel, open-beaked, with fine cast and chased detail; ovoid mother-of-pearl grip, wound with plain and twisted copper wire in spiral channeling and applied to gilt backstraps; ferrule chased with rinceaux and rosettes; S-curved cast knuckleguard, gilt, wih relief foliate motifs and lion's head, Maltese cross on reverse; quillion finials in form of eagle's head; shellguard of cornucopia shape, with relief of spreadwinged American eagle, head to right, bearing arrows and olive branch in talons, with shield over breast, and ribbon bearing legible motto; near tang, in gilt panel, initials: "P.D.L." engraved in script; "E pluribus Unum" against background of 20 stars and rays of sun, oak leaves; on reverse of crossguard, raised anthemion. B. Scabbard: Of simple straight shape; black leather with some wood backing.

Collection

Sunnyside Object Collection

Made/Created

Artist Information

Artist

Unknown

Attribution

Maker

Date made

circa 1835 - 1845

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Inscription

Transcription

See description

Dimensions

Dimension Description

Overall

Length

34-7/8 in

Dimension Notes

Display Dimensions: 34 7/8 in. (88.6 cm)

Material

Mother-of-pearl, Leather, Gilt, Steel, Wood, copper

Condition

Notes

Remarks: Details of condition: Sword: Some rust. Scabbard: Much deteriorated; was originally shiny black leather.

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

Washington Irving (1783-1859)

Notes

Former owner

General Notes

Note Type

Curatorial Remarks

Note

Sword appears to be a military, rather than diplomatic type, of period of early-mid 19th century.

Note Type

StorageNote

Note

Home Location: Historic Hudson Valley, Union Church, Storage, Shelf 24C