This very handsome Model 1852 Naval Officer’s sword, complete with original leather scabbard, is identified to Acting Master Samuel B. Meader, US Navy, assigned to the U.S.S. Mystic during the Civil War.  The Mystic was a steamer acquired by the navy prior to the Civil War and served during the war as a gunship in support of the Union Navy blockade of Confederate waterways. A native of Nantucket, Massachusetts, Samuel B. Meader was a civilian mariner who gained his naval appointment as Acting Master on November 13, 1861. Meader then served aboard the USS Mystic out of the Boston Navy Yard until his discharge on February 4, 1866.  The ship helped capture and destroy 4 rebel blockade runners off the North Carolina Coast in 1862, and served  vessel in operations along the York River 1864. A.M. Meader was part of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron during the war and is mentioned in many wartime naval dispatches contained in the Official Records of the Union & Confederate Navies of the War of Rebellion.

Meader’s naval sword and scabbard are in excellent-plus original condition. A most handsome specimen, the edged weapon bears no maker’s mark and was likely imported from France or Prussia as a private purchase. Carried by many ranking Federal naval officers during the Civil War, this quality steel edged weapon measures a total length of 32” from tip to pommel. Though short in length, the fine looking weapon features a 25½” long blade with a 22½” un-stopped wide fuller and a 20” narrow fuller.  The bright, shiny blade is embellished via acid etching on both sides with a fine, eye-catching display of a naval motif with flags, anchors, and eagles along with a very fine, frosty appearance remaining. Blade etching features floral designs on both flats with the reverse showing a spreadwinged eagle, a large sea anchor, a pennant with the engraved letters “USN” followed with more foliate.  Obverse displays foliate at the ricasso, followed with a large floral arrangement that features the ID that reads “Samuel B. Meader” done in fine script.

The pleasing blade wears a shiny / fine bright sheen overall. Piece has a few scattered minute age discoloration spots mostly near the blade tip and two tiny edge nicks.  This sword specimen has a highly detailed, single-band cutout brass hilt with the guard and knucklebow cast in one piece.  Prominent on the brass hilt are 5/16” high raised black letters “USN” surrounded by finely cutout acorns and foliate. Covering the center-swelled handle is a grip of almost white sharkskin or rayskin in tight, mint condition. No blemishes visible whatever. Thin, brass, double-twisted wire is original and in excellent, tight condition. Phrygian pommel cap is border-engraved in a floral pattern and is tight to the handle.  Full cloth blade washer sits at the ricasso and the serpent-head quillon retains its forward and down thrust.  Not bent. Black leather scabbard exhibits light cracking but no flaking. Bright and highly attractive carrying mounts and drag. Overall condition, VG plus tending to fine.

A superb sword owned by a shipboard-serving officer mentioned in dispatches. Fine naval collectible. Pension records among the accompanying documents.