Sword w/scabbard and tassel: fish on quillon

Object Number: 
1925.104ab
Date: 
1852-1865
Medium: 
Steel, brass, fish skin, textile, gilding; fish skin, brass, gilding
Dimensions: 
Overall: 34 3/8 x 5 1/4 x 3 1/8 in. ( 87.3 x 13.3 x 7.9 cm )
Marks: 
etched: on obverse of blade near hilt: "W. H. Horstmann / & Sons / Philadelphia" stamped: on reverse of blade near hilt: crowned male head in left-facing profile etched: on reverse of blade near center: "USN" on banner engraved: on middle band of scabb
Description: 
Presentation sword with slightly curved, single-edged steel blade with two fullers, one broad and one narrow, and etched designs on obverse and reverse; gilded brass hilt with grip covered in fish skin and wrapped with wire; oval counter-guard with openwork oak leaf and acorn design on obverse with "USN" molded in relief on underside; helmet-shaped pommel with oak leaf and acorn border centering a flower and eagle in oval frame studded with thirteen stars molded on top; dolphin head at end of knuckle-bow joining pommel, and dolphin head finial on quillon; tassel made of gold metallic thread on long cord tied to knuckle-bow; scabbard covered in black fish skin with gilded brass carrying ring mounts, which are cast in high relief and resemble knotted rope, and gilded brass drag with fish-like appearance similar to "dolphins" on hilt; engraved inscription on reverse side of middle band.
Gallery Label: 
According to the accession records, this sword was used by William Rogers Taylor (d. 1889), a rear admiral in the U.S. Navy.
Credit Line: 
Gift of the Naval History Society
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
Creative: Tronvig Group