Nathan S. Meyer established himself in the army and navy goods business in New York City in 1906, but claimed the business went back to 1868, certainly a reference to the D.C. military goods operation of his father, Simon N. Meyer, established about that time. Collectors will be especially familiar with the military insignia produced by N.S. Meyer. Bazelon (2014) lists the firm as still in business, but it seems to have been bought out by Vanguard in 2000.

This sword pattern was adopted for all officers, except Chaplains, in 1902, with the guard specified as nickeled in December. This one is complete and in good condition with some rubbing and freckling to the finish on the hilt and scabbard, and some loss of nickel at the very tip of the blade, likely from drawing and sheathing the sword. That having been said, the etching is dense, very strong, and vivid, with regulation geometric and floral motifs, crossed flags and cannon, and a blank panel for addition of a name or presentation. The U.S. is rendered in entwined letters on the reverse, and the American eagle on the obverse is rendered in the form of the Great Seal in a rather Arabesque cartouche. The back edge of the blade is also etched with a leafy vine.

The leather blade pad in place under the guard. The obverse ricasso has a six-pointed maker’s star with inset brass “proved” disc. The reverse bears the firm address, “N.S. Meyer, Inc. / New York with Trade/ Spartan / Mark” above. A cursory search indicates Meyer registered the Spartan mark 6/20/1955, but he may have been using it earlier. It is recorded in use as early as 1931, though possibly by other businesses.

The grip is very good. The inset star and proved disk look British, but German makers started using it very early and in the 1920s Meyer made no bones about using German made swords. In any case, the impressive blade etching makes this sword display very well and it could be part of nice collection showing variations in the M1902.  [sr] [ph:m]

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