Cast brass cross guard, grip, and pommel with nice mellow patina. Each end of the cross guard features an eagle head with coiled snake clutched in its beak. An oval with “MA” is in the center. At a later date, the “MA” was replaced with the Athenian helmet seal that was adopted as the Academy's coat of arms. Grip is brass impressed to resemble wire wrap.

Cast brass cross guard, grip, and pommel. Cross guard shows no inspector marks. Brass has mixed patina with areas shown wear to plating.

Blade is double edged and remains mostly bright. Etching remains crisp with “U.S.M.A” and the maker’s name, “The M.C. Lilley & Co. Columbus, O” on one side and the cadet’s name on the other side.  No edge nicks.

Chromed scabbard features a brass throat frog mount, and drag. No dents. Bright finish overall with scattered oxidation, especially near throat. Some light scratches.

Paul A. Gavan, USMA Class of 1928, was born in Missouri on July 18, 1903. Assigned to 8th Field Artillery at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii in 1929. He was G-3 and Executive Officer of the Americal Division 1942-45. The Americal name was taken from “Americans in New Caledonia” and was the only U.S. Army Division with a name and not a number. They fought in extensive operations against Japanese in the Pacific. 1945-46 Gavan was G-4 in Nanking, China. He was Commanding General, Southern Army Command (1959-61) and of the Military District of Washington (1961-63).

A nice early USMA Cadet sword from a very active Army veteran.  [jet]

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