Sword and Scabbard Presented to Captain Samuel Chester Reid (1783–1861)

Silversmith John Targee American

1815

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 372

This is one of twelve gold-mounted swords awarded by the State of New York to heroes of the War of 1812. Commissioned from the New York City silversmith and die-cutter John Targee, the swords cost about $450 each, a significant amount at the time. Of Neoclassical inspiration, the hilt includes an eagle-head pommel (referring to the national emblem) and a figure of Hercules and the Nemean Lion on the counterguard. The sword was awarded to Samuel Chester Reid (1773–1861), captain of the private brig General Armstrong, for his heroic actions in holding off the British fleet at Fayal, in the Azores, on September 26–27, 1814.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

References

Title: Sword and Scabbard Presented to Captain Samuel Chester Reid (1783–1861)
Silversmith: John Targee (American, ca. 1774–1850)
Date: 1815
Geography: New York, New York
Culture: American, New York
Medium: Gold, brass, steel
Dimensions: L. 36 13/16 in. (93.6 cm); L. of blade 30 in. (76.2 cm); W. 4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm); D. 1 5/16 in. (3.3 cm); L. of scabbard 32 in. (81.3 cm); Wt. 2 lb. 3.6 oz. (1009 g)
Classification: Swords
Credit Line: Gift of Ida Chester Reid Blair, granddaughter of Samuel Chester Reid, 1923
Object Number: 23.100a, b
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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