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Presentation Sword and Scabbard

Object Details

Description
In November of 1861 Capt. Charles Wilkes, in command of the USS San Jacinto, stopped the British ship RMS Trent and arrested two Confederate diplomats, James Mason and John Slidell. While the British Government demanded an apology and the U.S. Government disavowed Wilkes' action, the people of Boston decided to reward Wilkes with this beautiful presentation sword.
Location
Currently not on view
Data Source
National Museum of American History
user
Wilkes, Charles
maker
Shreve, Stanwood and Company
date made
1862
Credit Line
Jane Wilkes
Measurements
overall: 32 3/4 in; 83.185 cm
Object Name
sword and scabbard
Other Terms
sword; sword and scabbard; Edged Weapons; Presentation

Featured In

  • Civil War 150:Remembrance
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