Comments and Tags
Be the first to comment on this item!
Weapons
Weapons
American Revolutionary War ➔ Sword, Cavalry Saber
Identifier:
145726Description:
This sword is believed to be a United States enlisted man's cavalry saber, made under the Rose Contract of 1812. The letters "V" (large) and "W" (small) are stamped on the blade. The "W" may represent an early mark of U.S. Arms Inspector Marine T, Wickham of Philadelphia. The curved blade is single-edged with a clipped point. The grips are wood, shaped to fit the hand, ribbed, and covered in leather. There is an iron backstrap which expands to cover the simple bird's head pommel. The tang is secured by a round nut. The knuckle-bow is of the reverse-P pattern, pierced near the pommel for a sword knot. The scabbard is iron, with two rings for suspension from slings and a very small drag at the tip. It is painted red with white stars.;This is an early example of an American sword. It was likely produced under a contract between the Purveyor of Public Supplies and William Rose of Philadelphia to make 500 horseman's sabers with iron scabbards. It may have been used by American troops during the War of 1812.;"V" and "W" stamped in bladeDate:
1812Materials:
Steel, Iron, Wood, LeatherDimensions:
4" h 5.5" wCurrent Location Status:
In StorageCollection Tier:
Tier 1Source:
Museum CollectionExhibit/Program:
Artifact GR (2012 – 2013)Artifact GR was a project which invited members of the community into the archives of the Grand Rapids Public Museum, and asked them to write about their experiences. The resulting submissions were cataloged in an interactive website (www.artifactgr.org) and in a published book (http://www.blurb.com/b/4400444-the-artifact-projectsoftcover).