May 17, 2022 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/17/2022
This is a nice example of a scarce pre-Civil War U.S. regulation sword, belt, and documents which descended from the Decatur family. According to a tag on the Revenue Cutter service belt, "This sword belonged to Commodore Stephen Decatur my Grandfather - the blind one. A.D. Wright" This would be referring to Commodore Stephen Decatur (1814-1876), who was a 19th century American naval officer whose career spanned from 1829-1876, and nephew of Commodore Stephen Decatur (1779-1820). The documents however, are contained in an envelope which is named to George Washington Storer, who was also a naval officer and relative of Stephen Decatur (1779-1820). Adopted under the 1841 Regulations for the Uniform and Dress of the Navy of the United States, this pattern sword was regulation for U.S. Navy officers until implementation of the 1852 directives, and this was the first time the sword described in the regulations was actually pictured. This style is also one of the most attractive U.S. regulation swords. The blade is the early pipe-backed style and boasts some of the most beautiful gold-washed designs presented on a wonderful fire blued spectacle. The obverse blade features a bold oak leaf branch, lush with leaves and acorns, followed by a vignette of 13 stars and a fouled anchor leading up to beautiful scroll which is marked "JOS A STORRS / CHEAPSIDE / LONDON.". The reverse blade features the same naval motifs which lead up to another, smaller scroll which is marked "WARRANTED". The designs are contained in a stunning fire blued background which ceases half the length of the blade, ending in an arabesque spire. The gilt brass pommel is cast and chased in the form of an eagle’s head with slightly open beak, with feathers descending the length of the backstrap, which terminates under a banded, gilt brass ferrule at the bottom of the grip. The knuckle guard is P-shaped, flat from the pommel to midpoint and a budding flower seems to absorb the rest of the knuckle guard and terminates in acorn finials. The white bone-like grip features delicately carved feathers which extends the eagle's head down the length of the hilt. The floral motifs of the guard are picked up in the raised oak leaves and acorns on a stippled background of the obverse folding counterguard. The reverse counterguard is absent, although there does not seem to be evidence that one was ever attached. The black leather scabbard features a tight seam and is set up with two mounts and carrying rings and is, unfortunately, missing the frog. The middle mount is engraved with a fouled anchor in a double-lined frame with foliate corners. The reverse of the mounts are plain. The lower mount features a vignette of 13 stars with the same double-lined frame with foliate corners and is plain on the reverse. Complimenting the sword is a rare U.S. Revenue Cutter Service leather belt with two-piece gold washed brass that features a left-facing eagle. The belt also features the leather and brass sword hanger. Finally, completing the set are the original regulation "Naval General Order" documents contained in their original envelope addressed to George W. Storer. The documents feature the designs of the sword, collar, and other uniform insignia. CONDITION: The sword blade exhibits scattered areas of rust and pox marks. The motifs remain mostly unmolested. The brass components of the hilt exhibit areas of oxidation. Counterguard folds properly but is loose. The grip exhibits one noticeable chip as well as a few scratches and cracks. The scabbard exhibits wear, including flaking and cracking, especially towards the tip. Both mounts are loose. The belt exhibits similar wear to the scabbard including scratches, creases, and cracks. Brass components exhibit wear. The documents are excellent, exhibiting little wear with the exception of the document with the sword designs which displays a significant tear. Otherwise, the documents remain intact and lack fragility. This is a wonderful, complete set of a desirable sword, belt with buckle, and documents all identified to relatives in the notable Decatur lineage. JLD