Sword Presented to James M. Green
Sword Presented to James M. Green
- Description (Brief)
- Presented to Major James M. Green by Company F of the 48th New York Volunteer Regiment in 1862
- Description
- James M. Green joined the 48th New York Infantry as a Captain in command of Company ‘F’ in 1861. He was presented this sword by Company ‘F’ when promoted to Major in June 1862. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in December, 1862. Green was killed in an assault on Fort Wagner, July 18, 1863.
- The blade of this sword is long, slightly curved, and single-edged. The fuller is broad and shallow, and extends about three quarters of the way to the top of the blade. Both sides are decorated in silver and gold chasing. The obverse depicts a classical soldier and floral sprays and is inscribed “Presented to Major James M. Green, 48th Reg. N.Y.S.V. / by the Members of Company F.” The reverse depicts a Union soldier, a "U.S." monogram, and a variety of floral sprays. The grip of the sword is ovular and has a spiral shape. There is a wire chain wrapped around the grip in a spiral. The pommel features a casting of the US shield, and on the top there is a large burgundy garnet. The knuckle guard and counterguard are decorated with laurel sprays and scroll designs.
- The scabbard is made of metal that has been painted brown in a wood pattern, and has three gold mounts. The top two mounts are identical, and each bear a casting of a scroll design surrounded by palm leaves with a ring of laurel leaves that cuts across the center. The drag features an eagle casting, along with a scroll design that is similar to the other mounts. There are two carrying rings on the scabbard, one on the right side of the two top mounts.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- sword
- sword and scabbard
- Other Terms
- Edged Weapons; Presentation
- date made
- 1862
- recipient
- Green, James M.
- maker of blade
- Collins & Co.
- maker of sword
- Miller & Co.
- place made
- United States: Connecticut, Hartford
- United States: New York, New York
- Physical Description
- metal, gilt (scabbard material)
- steel (blade material)
- metal (hilt material)
- Measurements
- blade: 32 in x 1 1/8 in; 81.28 cm x 2.8575 cm
- scabbard: 33 1/2 in x 2 1/2 in; 85.09 cm x 6.35 cm
- overall: 38 in x 4 3/4 in; 96.52 cm x 12.065 cm
- ID Number
- AF.37822
- catalog number
- 37822
- accession number
- 117934
- subject
- Edged Weapons
- Civil War
- Civil War
- See more items in
- Political and Military History: Armed Forces History, Military
- Military
- Civil War Presentation Swords
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
Nominate this object for photography.
Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.
If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.