Recently, we’ve added a Lieutenant Naval uniform and a U.S. Navy Officer’s sword to our collections, thanks to a donation from Joseph Schubert’s estate. Schubert enlisted in the Navy in 1952, in which he attained the rank of lieutenant, before leaving the service in 1956. With his rank came the dress uniform, which included epaulettes and the dress sword.
“Sword and Scabbard.
For all Officers–shall be cut and thrust blade, not less than twenty-six nor more than twenty-nine inches long, half basket hilt, grip white: Scabbards of black leather. Mountings of gilt; and all as per pattern.”
The sword is based on the Model 1852 Naval Officers Sword, a ‘cut-and-thrust blade’ first used in the American Civil War and carried through the Spanish-American War.. It was in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when the sword became relegated to ceremonial roles only, leading to the blades being straightened and made of stainless steel rather than high-carbon steel. In 1942, the Navy suspended the requirement for swords in naval officer dress. Until in 1954, when the officer’s sword was reinstated as part of ceremonial dress once again, and only for specific occasions.
The hilt and adornments on the scabbard are made of brass, with its body being leather made. Stingray skin makes up the grip of the sword, white as to abide by regulations, with an etching of the United States seal on the pommel. Its ricasso is engraved with “USN” which goes in part with the shield from the Great Seal of the United States that is etched into the blade. Other engravings on the blade include an anchor, tassels, and decorative carvings until it tapers to a point. Its scabbard, made of leather and brass, features a long eel-like creature at its point.
For more information on the presentation of a full dress uniform, check this out: https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/References/US-Navy-Uniforms/Uniform-Regulations/Uniform-Components/3501_84
Sources:
“Regulations for the Uniform and Dress of the Navy and Marine Corps of the United States. March, 1852” Naval History and Heritage Command, August 23, 2017. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/u/1852.
“Sailor’s Salty Sword Still Swings.”All Hands. 461 (July 1955), Naval History and Heritage Command, January 12, 2017. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/u/uniforms-usnavy/swords.html