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George Washington's Battle Sword and Scabbard

George Washington's Battle Sword and Scabbard

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Description
Physical Description
Hanger-type sword of forged steel with grooved blade. Grip of green-dyed ivory with silver strip decoration. Leather scabbard with silver trim.
Specific History
George Washington wore this simple hanger as his battle sword while serving as commander of the Continental army during the Revolutionary War. Made in Fishkill, New York, by John Bailey, an immigrant cutler from Sheffield, England, the sword has a slightly curved, grooved steel blade, silver-mounted cross guard and pommel, and a green ivory grip.
The sword was inherited by Washington’s nephew, Samuel T. Washington, an army captain. In his will, Washington admonished his nephew to draw the sword only "in self-defense or in the defense of [the] country and its rights.” Samuel's son donated the sword to the United States government in 1843.
Object Name
sword
Date made
ca 1765
date made
ca 1778
associated person
Washington, George
maker
Bailey, John
Place Made
United States: New York, Fishkill
used
United States
Physical Description
green (hilt color)
ivory (hilt material)
leather (scabbard material)
silver (blade material)
silver (mountings? material)
bone (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 3 1/2 in x 36 1/4 in x 1 1/4 in; 8.89 cm x 92.075 cm x 3.175 cm
ID Number
AF.32010
catalog number
32010
accession number
68016
Credit Line
U.S. Department of State
subject
Presidents
related event
American Revolution
Revolution and the New Nation
See more items in
Political and Military History: Armed Forces History, Military
National Treasures exhibit
Military
Exhibition
Price of Freedom
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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Comments

reply
Hi All. So my grandmother has confirmed that John Bailey is my relative although distant. Her maiden name is Bailey. Which is pretty cool. I have a pair on andirons that were given to my mother as a wedding gift long ago and they were also made by John Bailey. I’m also interested in where you obtained a replica sword as I would love to get one.

Thomas Muldoon

Mon, 2020-02-03 09:02

reply
"Seeing it in person left me mesmerized. To think that man, the father of our country held it in his hands . Awestruck, and inspiring."

1Lt. N Armen USMC

Mon, 2016-10-03 22:13

reply
"I recently purchased a replica of George Washington's battle sword, but need a sheath for this sword. Can anyone help?"

Thomas Green

Wed, 2015-08-05 12:04

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You can find many leatherworkers who build scabbards. Very often if you find a local swordsmith they will have a favored leather worker. The leatherwork and silver on Washington's sword is very unique so gather lots of photos to be specific about what you want. Might I ask where you found a replica of GW's sword? There aren't too many about.

Dan

Tue, 2015-09-29 23:33

reply
Seeing this sword was a real thrill! I am inspired to learn more about the amazing man that wore it into battle.

Andy

Fri, 2013-07-19 10:31

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