The U.S. Revenue Cutter Service and Life Saving Service merged to create the modern U.S. Coast Guard in 1915. They adopted the U.S. Navy 1852 pattern officer’s sword (still in use,) altering it simply with the addition of “USCG” on the banner that is in the blade etching and cast integrally with the counterguard. This is a very nice example of their regulation sword.

The brass hilt is cast and chased with an eagle surrounded by a circle of stars on the pommel cap, with acorns and oak leaves on the edge of the pommel, which appear also in the counterguard with the USCG banner. A sea-serpent shaped knucklebow extends from guard up to the pommel and the quillon is in the form of a serpent as well. The pebbled white grip and binding wire are in place and excellent.

The blade is excellent, with vivid etching. The motifs are the regulation mix of floral elements with military and patriotic motifs including a panoply of arms, US shield and anchor, an oval of stars, and an etched scroll with “USCG.” The frosting is strong and the panels terminate in Arabesque points. There is only the slightest thin gray spot near the terminus of the frosted panel on the obverse. The blade is bright in the un-etched portions and the edge and point are good. The blade shows a six-pointed star etched on the obverse ricasso with an inset “proved” disk, indicating British manufacture.

The scabbard is black leather with brass mounts. The mounts are excellent, match the hilt in color, and show rope knots supporting the carrying rings, a sea-serpent coiling around the drag, and a US shield on the upper mount just below the throat. The drag shows one small ding. The leather shows some wear spots on the reverse shows a repaired bend or partial break and some opening to the seam.

Dating back to 1790 as the “Revenue-Marine,” the Coast Guard has an illustrious service history in both civil and military affairs. This would make a good addition to a collection of U.S. military edged weapons.  [sr]

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