Markings stamped: on reverse of blade near hilt: 'ROSE'Įtched: on reverse of blade near hilt: 'MEER'Įtched: on obverse of blade near center: 'Midshipman John H.

195).ĭescription Presentation sword with straight, double-edged steel blade with etched designs and inscriptions covering approximately three quarters of obverse and reverse gilded brass hilt with large counter-guard on obverse with eagle, anchors, flags, and a cannon molded on front, a rosette in an open circle at either side, and the initials 'US' separated by a wreath molded on the back four-sided grip with full-length figure of a mermaid holding a vase above her head in high relief on obverse and reverse pierced knuckle-bow with oval medallion bearing a classical head in relief profile at center pommel in the form of a helmeted head opposite which projects a curved branch terminating in a disk ornamented on both sides with a rosette, to which the upper end of the knuckle-bow is attached leather scabbard with gilded brass throat and middle band, each with one carrying ring (tip missing) throat molded with anthemion-like design based on the form of a trident middle band molded with leaf and berry spray. All of these swords were of a uniform pattern, and at least the blades were made by William Rose (1783-1854) of Philadelphia (see 'The American Sword,' p. After the War of 1812, Congress decided to award certain naval officers with presentation swords.

Civil war u.s. navy presentation sword