Skip to main content
Collections Menu
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
Ceremonial Sword and Scabbard
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
Copyright and other proprietary rights in material on this site may be held by individuals or entities other than or in addition to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The John F. Kennedy Library does not warrant that the use of materials displayed on this site will not infringe on the rights of third parties, such as artists or artists' heirs holding the rights to these works. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy copyright or other use restrictions before copying, transmitting, or making other use of protected items beyond that allowed by "fair use," as such term is understood under the United States Copyright Act. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum respects the intellectual property rights of others. The John F. Kennedy Library may, in appropriate circumstances and at its discretion, remove, disable and/or terminate access to any material on or linked to or from this site that it suspects to be infringing upon a third party's intellectual property rights or other rights.

Ceremonial Sword and Scabbard

Artifact IDMO 77.297a-b
Object Type Sword
Date before 1963
Date Presented3/27/63
Gifter
Place MadeMorocco, Africa
Medium Ivory, gold, steel, emeralds, diamonds
DimensionsOverall L 42 in (106.7 cm )
Physical DescriptionA steel blade sword with ivory handle, the handle is decorated with paint and gilding of a palm frond inlaid with diamonds and green stones and the seal of King Hassan II with ruby star. The scabbard has a wooden interior covered with red wool over which is gilded copper alloy openwork in a floral design decorated with 50 stars inlaid with diamonds representing the 50 United states.
Historical NoteThis sword was presented to President Kennedy by King Hassan II during his state visit to the White House March 27, 1963.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift to President and Mrs. Kennedy from Hassan II, King of Morocco. It was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Heads of State (National Archives Identifier 1677008)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view