Collection Highlights
I Sell the Shadow to Support the Substance
Date:
1864
Object Number:
PR.011.5
Medium:
Albumen print mounted on card (Carte de Visite)
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Museum Collections
Luce Center
Sword w/scabbard: US on quillon
Object Number:
1941.402ab
Date:
1861-1865
Medium:
Steel, brass, fish skin, textile; steel, brass
Dimensions:
Overall: 39 1/4 x 5 x 3 1/2 in. ( 99.7 x 12.7 x 8.9 cm )
Marks:
etched: on obverse of blade below hilt: "W. H. / Horstmann / & Sons / PHILADELPHIA"
etched: on obverse of blade near center: "E. PLURIBUS / UNUM" (on banner)
etched: on reverse of blade about 8" from hilt: "U.S."
etched: on back of blade: "Iron Proof"
Description:
Sword with curved, single-edged steel blade with two fullers, one broad and one narrow, and etched decoration on obverse and reverse; brass half-basket hilt with openwork leaf and scroll design incorporating initials "US" on obverse side and quillon with scroll finial; grip covered in fish skin and wrapped with wire; Phrygian helmet-shaped pommel with oak leaf and acorn border centering a flower; strip of cloth tape attached to knuckle-bow; steel scabbard with brass mounts consisting of two carrying rings attached to leaf-embossed bands and tip with drag.
Gallery Label:
This sword is identified in the accession records as a U.S. field officer's saber. It is said to have belonged to Jacob Janeway Van Nest (1835-1875), who served in the U.S. Army during the Civil War.
Credit Line:
Gift of Miss Sarah H. Van Nest
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
