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U.S. NAVAL 

COMMODORE'S SWORD Model 1852

 

 

Oscar Smith, (1887-1969) USNA Class 1908, Sword by A.P. Lilley Co., New York, N.Y., Star of Damascus and bronze "Proven" cartouche on reverse. Original leather scabbard.

 

THE SENIOR NAVAL OFFICER SWORD KNOT IS NOT INCLUDED

Presented is the sword of Commodore Oscar Smith, Jr. (1887-1969), a distinguished officer and graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1908 who rose to the rank of commodore during WW II and in 1944 became head of the Guided Missiles Committee convened to explore every possible guided-missile and drone project. See http://earlyradiohistory.us/1963hw40.htm  A commodore is the equivalent of a brigadier, one star, general, and now has become Rear Admiral, Lower Half, abbreviated RMDL. The sword knot shown is that used by senior officers, and is not included with this offering.

 

 

Design on blade appears to be tooled or stamped rather than acid etched with plating over. Very slight pitting at the very end from moisture collecting in the scabbard, and some darkening near the hilt due to being worn in foul weather. Personalized to Oscar Smith, Jr., '08 (USNA Class of 1908). Just above the top scabbard mount band are the initials in script "OSJr". The bands and drag are embellished with fancy designs including a large fowled anchor on the upper reverse. There is a single rivet holding each. The leather is complete with its surface showing some wear in the lower section. Stitching is intact. The dolphin on the drag is mounted with its head to the side of the hangers. All the brass work has a rich patina of age. The eagle on the pommel faces left surrounded by 13 stars. Twelve wraps of two strand wire on the ray covered handle. Single 21 1/2 fuller. 16 stars in oval.

 

DIMENSIONS: Blade: 5/8 inch wide, 3/16 inch thick, 28 3/4 inches long, Handle 5 1/4 inches long. Length overall 34 1/4 inches. In scabbard 35 inches. Weight 1 1/2 pounds.

 

 

Initials, "OSJr" upper band

Personalized. Oscar Smith, Jr., '08

Maker's name. A.P. Lilley, New York

Oak leaves and USN on front of guard

 

ABRIDGED NAVAL BIOGRAPHY: As were the requirements covering the Class of 1908, the midshipmen served two years at sea before commissioning as ensign. By 1916, Smith was serving in USS UTAH as gunnery officer during the War with rank of LCDR. After the war he served in two high level staff capacities, first in 1922 as aide and flag secretary of Battle Ship Division 3 in USS NEW YORK and USS TEXAS, and next in 1925 as aide to Commander in Chief, Asiatic Fleet in USS HURON. Other important duties followed and by 1930 he was the commanding officer of USS GALVASTON, then USS FULTON and then he joined the staff of Commander Cruisers, Scouting Force in USS CALIFORNIA. From there he moved to the commissioning officer of USS HONOLULU and served as its first commanding officer until mid 1940. During the period 1941 - 1943, he served in two important billets as officer in charge of the Atlantic Fleet School, and then as Commander, Training Task Force after which in March, 1944, he was promoted to commodore and  took command of Special Air Task Force in which capacity he was in charge of the secret development of guided missiles and drones. At the beginning of 1945 after transfer, he moved from Deputy Chief of Staff to Chief of Staff U.S. Atlantic Fleet. In June, 1947 Commodore Smith retired from the Navy with 39 years of service. He was authorized numerous medals including the Legion of Merit. He died on July 9, 1969

OUR UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within three days of receipt in its original condition and packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. A prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Unfortunately, no refund can be made for the cost of shipping, packaging and handling. 

 

International buyers welcome, but inquire first.  We have satisfied customers in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.

 

SHIPPING & PACKING: The cost of shipping, packing, handling, and insurance to your destination, will be calculated after the auction and is an additional charge. You may email us to get these costs. We price our shipping honestly, but we expect to be reimbursed for the nominal cost of packaging materials and handling.

Don't let this unusually fine M 1852 sword with provenance get away. Buy Now!