George Washington's Battle Sword and Scabbard
George Washington's Battle Sword and Scabbard
- 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.
- 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
- The Price of Freedom: Americans at War
- Exhibition Location
- National Museum of American History
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
Comments
"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
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
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
1Lt. N Armen USMC
Mon, 2016-10-03 22:13