Collection Highlights
The Dead at Gettysburg
Date:
ca. 1863
Object Number:
PR.164.4.38.GettysburgDead
Medium:
Photograph
SUPPORT THE NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Help us present groundbreaking exhibitions and develop educational programs about our nation's history for more than 200,000 schoolchildren annually.
Museum Collections
Luce Center
Sword
Object Number:
X.144
Date:
1770-1800
Medium:
Steel, brass, gilding, other metal
Dimensions:
Overall: 43 5/8 x 5 x 3 1/2 in. ( 110.8 x 12.7 x 8.9 cm )
Marks:
stamped: on obverse of blade below hilt: "R" with crown above
stamped: on reverse side of knuckle-bow: "R" with crown above
Description:
Sword with straight, evenly tapered, double-edged steel blade which is diamond-shaped in cross section; gilded brass hilt with heart-shaped counter-guard with center ridge and perpendicular border cast in one piece with knuckle-bow and short, flared quillons (slightly upturned on one side); grips covered with braided metal (copper?) wire; ovoid pommel with ridges and ball finial.
Gallery Label:
This sword is presented in Harold Peterson's "Arms and Armor in Colonial America, 1526-1783" (p. 279) as an example of a German officer's sword from the period of the Revolutionary War. In the accession records, however, the sword is described as a "British military officer's sword" (from the same period).
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
