Original U.S. Spanish-American War Era Engraved & Named Model 1852 Navy Officer's Sword with Original Leather Scabbard & Sword Knot by William Reed & Sons, Boston

Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is a scarce M1852 Naval Officer’s dress sword with a gorgeous triple-etched blade, manufactured by William Reed & Sons of Boston, Massachusetts. This example is engraved on the scabbard, having been Presented to H.F. Fuller by members of Co. B, Naval Brigade. We haven’t found much on Fuller, making for a great research project. The sword is contained in a fine leather scabbard that is brass mounted, with knotted rope base fittings for the suspension rings, which are both present. There is also an entire sea serpent wrapped around the bottom mount, the drag. The only serious issue is that the pommel plate is missing entirely.

The sword's hand guard is elaborately molded with a sea serpent as part of the bow. The hilt is absolutely gorgeous and the grip is wrapped sharkskin bound with brass wire. The hilt is a bit loose and the pommel is missing entirely. The part basket is embossed with Oak leaves and acorns and displays the letters U.S.N.. The pommel shows an eagle surrounded by 13 Stars. All the brass mounts were originally gold washed or plated and much is still evident after so many years.

The blade is clearly marked on the ricasso in script letters:

Wm. Reed
& Sons
Boston
Mass.

The blade is etched with patriotic motifs as well as the same name, H.F. FULLER. The leather blade washer is still present but is weak.

The scabbard of this example is beautiful but the leather is in very rough condition for its age, with the stitches mostly gone and crazing evident on both sides. The leather has also shrunk a bit, so the sword doesn’t fit entirely into the scabbard anymore. Extreme caution should be taken when removing the sword from the scabbard as some of the brass fittings are loose on the leather. The scabbard droops down when the sword is removed which verifies this as 100% real.

This is a downright beautiful Presentation sword with a gorgeous patina that will only get better with age. Comes ready for further research and display.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 30” 
Blade Style: Single Edged Saber with Double Fullers
Overall length: 35 1/4”
Crossguard: 5” wide x 5 1/2” long
Scabbard Length: 30¾”