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Sword with Scabbard of Faustin I (1782–1867), Emperor of Haiti

Sword cutler Robert Mole British
1850
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 999
This lavish ceremonial sword was made for Faustin-Élie Soulouque (1782–1867), who ruled Haiti as Emperor Faustin I from 1849 to 1859. It was presented to him by The Grand Masonic Lodge of Haiti in 1850. According to family tradition, Henry Delafield (1792–1875) later received it as a gift from Faustin. Delafield was a prominent businessman who served as Consul for Haiti in New York from 1851 to 1859. The sword remained in the Delafield family until it was bequeathed to the Museum in 2012.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Sword with Scabbard of Faustin I (1782–1867), Emperor of Haiti
  • Sword cutler: Robert Mole (British, Birmingham,1800–1856)
  • Date: 1850
  • Geography: Birmingham
  • Culture: British, Birmingham
  • Medium: Steel, silver, gold, wood, textile (velvet)
  • Dimensions: H. with scabbard 38 1/8 in. (96.8 cm); H. without scabbard 37 in. (94 cm); W. 6 in. (15.2 cm); Wt. 2 lb. 8.1 oz. (1136.8 g); Wt. of scabbard 1 lb. 9.5 oz. (722.9 g)
  • Classification: Swords
  • Credit Line: Bequest of William S. Delafield Sr., 2012
  • Object Number: 2012.204a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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