Records are spotty, but the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service was ordered to return to its use of the US Navy regulation officer’s sword sometime between 1889 and 1896. The sword followed the general lines of the US Navy officer’s sword (the Model 1852,) but with the substitution of USRM (the old “US Revenue Marine”) for USN on the guard and blade. After 1915 the letters were changed to “USCG” to reflect the merging of the Revenue Cutter and the Life Saving services to form the modern US Coast Guard.

The pommel cap shows the regulation perched eagle surrounded by a circle of stars. The knuckleguard and quillon are cast and chased in the form of a sea serpent or dolphin head. The edge of the pommel cap and the openwork counterguard make use of traditional acorns and oak leaves. The exterior of the guard shows a lot of gilt remaining in recessed areas. The grip is bound with gray sharkskin that shows some minor wear and a shift toward white, but is complete, as is the binding wire. The blade and hilt are tight. The blade pad is in place.

The blade is bright, with good edge and point and vivid etching with nautical motifs and floral scrolls. The obverse includes an anchor superimposed on a US shield and a large eagle with spread wings. The reverse shows a U.S. flag at bottom with a spearpoint finial on its staff and a trident poking up beside it with a large “USRM” in block letters in a scroll above.

The scabbard is the regulation black leather with brass mounts, with ring bands in the form of knotted cable holding the sling rings on the upper and middle mounts and a sea-serpent coming up around the edges of the drag. The scabbard is solid, with good finish and intact seam, but does show two well-done repairs a few inches above the lower mount and one slight ding to the drag.  [sr]

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