ticketsMember | Make a donation

Presentation Sword and Scabbard of Brigadier General Daniel Davis (1777–1814) of the New York Militia

Silversmith John Targee American
ca. 1815–17
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 372
Following the War of 1812, the State of New York awarded twelve swords to military officers who commanded troops within its borders. This example was presented posthumously to Brigadier General Daniel Davis (1777–1814) of the New York Militia, who died during an engagement at Fort Erie on September 17, 1814.

The sword's design reflects the classical inspiration of the Federal period. The hilt, with its downturned shell, is based on French Empire models. The image of Hercules and the Nemean Lion, emblematic of strength and courage, is probably copied from an English engraving after a Classical gem or cameo. The eagle-headed pommel, on the other hand, is typically American, as is the style of engraving on the scabbard, illustrating the battle.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Presentation Sword and Scabbard of Brigadier General Daniel Davis (1777–1814) of the New York Militia
  • Silversmith: John Targee (American, ca. 1774–1850)
  • Date: ca. 1815–17
  • Geography: New York, New York
  • Culture: American, New York
  • Medium: Steel, gold, silver
  • Dimensions: L. 37 1/4 in. (94.6 cm)
  • Classification: Swords
  • Credit Line: Gift of Francis P. Garvan, 1922
  • Object Number: 22.19a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Sword and Scabbard Presented to Captain Samuel Chester Reid (1783–1861), John Targee American, Gold, brass, steel, American, New York
Sword and Scabbard Presented to Captain Samuel Chester Reid (1783–1861)
John Targee
1815
Snuffbox, John Targee American, Silver, American
Snuffbox
John Targee
ca. 1815
Smith and Wesson .32 Caliber Single-Action Revolver, serial no. 17156, Smith & Wesson American, Steel, silver, copper-platinum-iron alloy, nickel, American, Springfield, Massachusetts and New York
Smith and Wesson .32 Caliber Single-Action Revolver, serial no. 17156
Smith & Wesson
Tiffany & Co.
1881–1902
Congressional Presentation Sword and Scabbard of Major General John E. Wool (1784–1869), Samuel Jackson American, Steel, gold, brass, diamonds, rubies, American, probably Baltimore
Congressional Presentation Sword and Scabbard of Major General John E. Wool (1784–1869)
Samuel Jackson
1854–55
Smith and Wesson .38 Caliber Safety Third Model Double-Action Revolver, serial no. 83097, with Case, Smith & Wesson American, Steel, silver, enamel, nickel, wood, leather, copper alloy, gold, American, Springfield, Massachusetts and New York
Smith and Wesson .38 Caliber Safety Third Model Double-Action Revolver, serial no. 83097, with Case
Smith & Wesson
Tiffany & Co.
1892–93

Related Content

Timeline of Art History

Entries from The Met's art encyclopedia.

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.