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Congressional Presentation Sword with Scabbard of Colonel Marinus Willett (1740–1830)

Sword maker C. Liger French
hallmarked for 1785–86
Not on view
This sword is one of ten "elegant swords" awarded by the Continental Congress to various officers for meritorious action against the British during the American Revolution. Owing to lack of funds, the swords were not executed until 1785–86. They were made not by an American craftsman but by one of the finest fourbisseurs (sword retailers) in Paris. The decoration, in part prescribed by Congress, includes the coat of arms of the United States on one side of the grip and an appropriate presentation inscription on the other. This example is inscribed "Congress to Col. Willett, Oct. 11, 1777." These congressional swords are the first in a long tradition of specially designed presentation swords that would be awarded to America's military leaders throughtout the next century.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Congressional Presentation Sword with Scabbard of Colonel Marinus Willett (1740–1830)
  • Sword maker: C. Liger (French, Paris, recorded 1770–93)
  • Date: hallmarked for 1785–86
  • Geography: Paris
  • Culture: French, Paris
  • Medium: Steel, silver, gold, wood, fish skin, textile
  • Dimensions: sword L. 39 5/8 in. (100.6 cm); scabbard L. 33 1/4 in. (84.5 cm)
  • Classification: Swords
  • Credit Line: Bequest of George Willett Van Nest, 1916
  • Object Number: 17.87.3a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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