This sword came from the effects of U.S. Navy Pilot, Lt. Arthur Dzendolet (1914-1942.) Formerly in the well known and respected Bill Cooper collection, the sword is in mint condition with strong gilt on the brass hilt and scabbard mounts and a bright blade with vivid frosting and etching.

The sword is the regulation pattern derived from the 1852 Navy officer’s sword, changed only slightly over the years in use of a lighter blade and fittings, and different etching. The condition is excellent and it comes with Dzendolet’s original sword knot as well. The white grip and wire are in place. The brass hilt is cast with the regulation eagle and stars on the pommel cap, various floral motifs, sea serpent head on the guard near the pommel, acorns and oak leaves in the openwork guard, with USN in raised letters on a ribbon banner. The blade is bright with vivid etching. A small brass disk reading “proved” is inset at the ricasso. The obverse has a blank panel for etching of a name, an oval of stars, a trophy of arms with a small USN flag, scrolling floral motifs, etc. The reverse includes an eagle with sunburst overhead, fouled anchor, USN in a scroll, and a knotted rope, mixed with floral motifs. On both sides the etched panels end in arabesque points. The scabbard is excellent as well. The black leather body has good surface and color and is solid. The mounts are have loads of gilt and are regulation, with coiled rope ring bands and a sea serpent curled around the drag.

Dzendolet was born in Boston 20 March 1914. He attended MIT, leaving after his sophomore year to join the US Naval Reserve and attend the Aviation Cadet program, being designated Naval Aviator #4914 in 1936. As a flying officer in January 1938 was assigned to a patrol squadron, VP-14, but in July was on the maiden voyage of the USS Enterprise CV-6 in 1938 as a member of VF-6, “Fighting Six,” the carrier’s fighter squadron of Grumman F4F-3 wildcats.

He returned to MIT to complete his degree in 1939, but was recalled by the Navy before he could finish and was a flight instructor at the Squantum Naval Air Base and commander of the Mansfield Auxiliary Flying Field in 1942. On the evening of 28 November 1942 he went to the Cocoanut Grove Nightclub in Boston. Originally a garage and warehouse complex, the club was a warren of dining rooms, bars and lounges crowded with more than a thousand patrons, double its capacity. A fast moving fire broke out, killing 492 men and women by fire and smoke. In an MIT obituary Dzendolet was said to have “aided many to escape before collapsing to the flames.” He was buried at Arlington Cemetery.  [sr]

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