Model 1852 Naval Officers Sword

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	Weapon: Model 1852 Naval Officers Sword Type: Officer Sword Country of Origin: United States Year Adopted: 1852 Overall Length (mm): 890.0 Overall Length (in): 35.04 Weight (kg): 0.90 Weight (pounds): 1.98

The Model 1852 Naval Officers Sword was an elegant yet functional weapon designed for commissioned officers of the United States Navy. Featuring a slightly curved, 30-inch steel blade with intricate etchings of naval motifs, the sword exuded both authority and craftsmanship. Its brass hilt was adorned with an ornate half-basket guard featuring a sea serpent design, while the grip was wrapped in sharkskin and bound with brass wire for a secure hold. Paired with a black leather scabbard fitted with brass mountings, the sword was not just a weapon but a prestigious symbol of rank and tradition.

The Model 1852 sword was widely produced throughout the latter half of the 19th century and into the 20th century, with prominent manufacturers including Ames Manufacturing Company and later firms such as Horstmann & Sons. Unlike enlisted cutlasses, these swords were primarily ceremonial in nature, though they were carried by officers during both the American Civil War and the Spanish-American War. Despite its limited combat utility, the sword remained an essential part of the naval officer's uniform and continued to be issued long after the age of sword-based combat had passed.

Gaining its notoriety as an enduring symbol of the U.S. Navy, the Model 1852 sword remains in use today as part of the full dress uniform for naval officers and chief petty officers. It has been featured in numerous historical depictions of naval engagements and parades, maintaining its significance as a link to the Navy's storied past. Today, original examples are prized by collectors and military historians, admired for their craftsmanship and deep historical connections to American naval heritage.