Collection Highlights
Armchair
Date:
1856-1857
Object Number:
1857.11
Medium:
Oak
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Museum Collections
Luce Center
Sword, scabbard and tassel
Object Number:
1950.133ab
Date:
1899-1906
Medium:
Steel, brass, gilding, leather, twine; steel, brass, gilding
Dimensions:
Overall: 39 5/8 x 6 x 1 in. ( 100.6 x 15.2 x 2.5 cm )
Marks:
etched: on obverse of blade near hilt: "THE / M.C. LILLEY / & CO / 13 W 30th ST. / NEW YORK"
etched: on obverse of blade near center: "E. PLURIBUS / UNUM" on banner (part of eagle insignia)
stamped: on obverse of blade near hilt: "GERMANY"
stamped: on
Description:
Sword with curved, single-edged steel blade with fuller extending from hilt to within about 11 inches of point and etched designs on obverse and reverse; gilded brass stirrup hilt with reverse P-type knuckle-bow and curved quillon with disk finial; grip covered with leather and wrapped with twisted wire; bird's head pommel with backstrap extending to ferrule at base of grip; leather tassel on cord attached to knuckle-bow; matte-surfaced steel scabbard with gilded brass mounts, including upper and middle bands, each with a single carrying ring, and tip with drag.
Gallery Label:
The donor claimed that this sword belonged to Major Alvin Chauncey Graves (1835-1862), who was killed in the Battle of Pea Ridge (Elkhorn), Arkansas, March 7-8, 1862. As M. C. Lilley & Co. is not listed as a dealer in military goods in the New York City Directory until 1899, it is more likely that the sword dates from around the turn of the century.
Credit Line:
Gift of John A. Graves
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
