Collection Highlights
Indenture of Peter van Dyck and Cornelia, his Wife, Documenting the Administration of Margrieta van Varick's Estate
Date:
September 4, 1719
Object Number:
MSS.VanCortlandtPapers.vanDyck
Medium:
Pen and ink on paper, wax
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Museum Collections
Luce Center
Sword w/scabbard
Object Number:
1951.381ab
Date:
1850-1860
Medium:
Steel, brass, fish skin; iron, brass
Dimensions:
Overall: 38 x 5 x 3 1/2 in. ( 96.5 x 12.7 x 8.9 cm )
Marks:
stamped: on inside of quillon: oval outline enclosing initials "EL" and three stars
etched: etched on obverse of blade: "E Pluribus Unum"
etched: etched on reverse of blade: "U. S."
incised: on back of blade: indecipherable script
openwork: on guard:
Description:
Sword with slightly curved, single-edged steel blade with wide fuller running down center and narrow fuller adjacent to blunt edge; obverse of blade with etched design framing an American eagle clutching a banner inscribed "E Pluribus Unum" with its talons; reverse of blade etched with similar design framing "U.S." in large block letters; brass guard of half-basket design with initials "US" incorporated into openwork, floral decoration; grip covered with fish skin and wrapped with wire; Phrygian helmet-shaped brass pommel with floral border; scabbard made of sheet iron, with mounts, including two carrying rings and drag, made of brass.
Gallery Label:
According to the accession records, this 1850 model field officer's sword was used by U.S. Army Major Rufus King (1814-1876) during the Civil War period. An 1833 graduate of West Point, King organized the famous "Iron Brigade" in 1861 and commanded a Union division in 1862. He was forced to resign from the army due to illness in 1863.
Credit Line:
Gift of the 7th Regiment, National Guard New York, through Major Kenneth Miller
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
