Museum Collections
Luce Center
Sword and scabbard
Object Number:
1928.51a-d
Date:
1780-1790
Medium:
Steel, silver, gilding, enamel; wood, fish skin, metal
Dimensions:
Overall (sword): 41 1/2 x 3 3/4 x 3 1/4 in. (105.4 x 9.5 x 8.3 cm)
Marks:
engraved: on gilt ground below hilt on reverse of blade: "N. K."
Description:
Sword with straight, evenly tapered steel blade, which is triangular in cross section with incurving sides decorated with etched designs on gilt and blue enamel ground; silver gilt hilt cast in four separate pieces, all decorated with oval floral medallions and beading: oval counter-guard, knuckle bow with very small pas d'ane and quillon, grip, and ovoid pommel; scabbard (now in three pieces, b-d) made of wood covered in yellow fish skin, with gilded brass mounts with engraved designs and gold-plated metal clip on chains suspended from carrying rings.
Gallery Label:
According to the donor, this sword once belonged to Governor DeWitt Clinton (1769-1828) of New York, who wore it as a dress sword.
Credit Line:
Gift of Mrs. Louis T. Hoyt, in memory of Richard Montgomery Pell
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.