Replica of General George Washington's Sword and Scabbard
Artifact IDMO 69.11a-b
Object Type
Sword
Date
1963
Maker
Rock Island Arsenal
(US Army)
Place MadeRock Island, Illinois, United States, North America
Medium
Steel, silver, ivory
DimensionsOverall L 37 in (94 cm )
Physical DescriptionHanger-type battle sword, made of chrome vanadium steel, with a slightly curved blade that has two fullers running the length of the blade. The grip is of green dyed ivory wrapped with silver wire decoration. The pommel, of the grip, is carved in a shell design, topped with a capstan rivet. The quillions, between the grip and the blade, form the letter "S" with ends shaped as serpent heads. On one side of the juncture of the quillions is engraved a trophy of arms, and the other is a similar panoply of arms surmounted by a bear's head. The sword has a leather hand stitched scabbard with silver bands at the throat and middle which has a carrying ring. The end is tipped in silver. The silver band at the throat is inscribed "J. Bailey/Fish Kill."
Historical NotePresident Kennedy had this sword made to give to select visiting heads of state. Retired Rock Island metal smiths were allowed to make a silicone cast of the original Washington sword at the Smithsonian, from which 9 replicas were made. Eight swords went to the White House, one remained at Rock Island. President Kennedy gave swords to Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, and President Eamon de Valera of Ireland.
The original sword was made by silversmith John Bailey of Fish Kill, New York, in 1777 and worn by George Washington while commanding the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
Additional DetailsThe original sword was made by silversmith John Bailey of Fish Kill, New York, in 1777 and worn by George Washington while commanding the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
Custodial History NoteThis item is material associated with the White House the Kennedy Administration and the Executive Offices of the President. It was either government property or was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
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 SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteThis material is not subject to any known copyright or other image use restrictions.In Collection(s)
Not on view