Need some historical help please re sword

Heatherg21

Heatherg21

USNA '24 Mom BGO Bacon Lover Dog Lover
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I have my dad’s USNA sword. It has his name engraved on it and his initials on the scabbard. However, he and his father, also a grad had the same name.

My mom hung on to it after their divorce, he kind of became a grifter of sorts. I have reached out to him for info and haven’t heard back. Mom has stage 6 dementia so I can’t get info from her.

I am hoping some beloved ‘old timers’ might be able to see an image of it and tell me if it is likely a late ‘60’s sword, or late 30’s.

Totally open to sharing images in private messages if anyone thinks they can help. I’m hoping to understand the history of it prior to potentially gifting to DS in May.

My next step will be reaching out to a ‘68 via Shipmate or the USNA museum for context.

I have asked Dad’s USNA roommate and also my aunt. Waiting for response.
Thank you in advance.
 
... suggestion only:

Contact the authors of "Changes Amidships-USNA 1950s to 2020s"

- tons of historical data from museum
- Jack Lynch '60 & Robert Leam '20
 
severn said:
... suggestion only:

Contact the authors of "Changes Amidships-USNA 1950s to 2020s"

- tons of historical data from museum
- Jack Lynch '60 & Robert Leam '20
Click to expand...
Thank you. I will reach out.
 
You can also contact the Big Navy history museum in DC. I think museum people enjoy helping figure things out like this.


Swords

The Cutlass Carved its Niche in Our Navy's Annals By Richard Meckel, JO2, USNR US Naval Air Station, Olathe, Kansas
www.history.navy.mil www.history.navy.mil


And, this may seem like an odd approach, bit if you know your dad’s height, and measure the sword length, if there is a big mismatch in the size sword that he would have been measured and fitted for, then it’s likely the sword was passed down to him.

Sword sizing is at the link below. A too-long sword is a trip hazard and ear-scraper, a too-short sword looks like a toy.


This will only work if they were disparate in height enough that it’s clear the sword would have not fit your dad well.
 
Capt MJ said:
You can also contact the Big Navy history museum in DC. I think museum people enjoy helping figure things out like this.


Swords

The Cutlass Carved its Niche in Our Navy's Annals By Richard Meckel, JO2, USNR US Naval Air Station, Olathe, Kansas
www.history.navy.mil www.history.navy.mil


And, this may seem like an odd approach, bit if you know your dad’s height, and measure the sword length, if there is a big mismatch in the size sword that he would have been measured and fitted for, then it’s likely the sword was passed down to him.

Sword sizing is at the link below. A too-long sword is a trip hazard and ear-scraper, a too-short sword looks like a toy.


This will only work if they were disparate in height enough that it’s clear the sword would have not fit your dad well.
Click to expand...
Thank you. I had been pondering that. My grandfather was taller than my dad, and thus a sword gifted would not have necessarily been a regulation measurement.

I’m really hoping my dad’s sister has some recollection or knowledge. My dad’s brother was also a midshipmen at the same time as my dad, but was dropped amidst the hazing era of the late ‘60’s. He passed away 12 years ago so that resource is also lost to time. Honestly, he was a stellar human but likely wouldn’t have made a good combat officer.

It’s times like these that I hope all families realize sharing memories and chronicling moments is so vital. You don’t know when you might have a time in your life that merits reflecting back on these special moments.
 
My Dad said at a lunch that since his brother passed away (my uncle), he was able to get their dad's sword (my grandfather). He stated that when/if my kid graduates, he'd like to give that to him. My guess is his would be from the 50's. My kid is about the same height as my grandfather was, per my Dad (I have no memory of him as he passed away when I was really little).

I asked my Dad what he was going to do with his, and he said, "I'm still alive! No one's getting it until I'm gone, and then you 4 kids can fight over it." :rofl:
 
IronmanDaremo said:
My Dad said at a lunch that since his brother passed away (my uncle), he was able to get their dad's sword (my grandfather). He stated that when/if my kid graduates, he'd like to give that to him. My guess is his would be from the 50's. My kid is about the same height as my grandfather was, per my Dad (I have no memory of him as he passed away when I was really little).

I asked my Dad what he was going to do with his, and he said, "I'm still alive! No one's getting it until I'm gone, and then you 4 kids can fight over it." :rofl:
Click to expand...
That fight will be quick - possession in this case will be 10/10ths of the law.
 
I think it will be up to my Mom. I'm hoping it comes my way as I'm the only other prior military in my generation. :bleh2:
 
Capt MJ said:
You can also contact the Big Navy history museum in DC. I think museum people enjoy helping figure things out like this.


Swords

The Cutlass Carved its Niche in Our Navy's Annals By Richard Meckel, JO2, USNR US Naval Air Station, Olathe, Kansas
www.history.navy.mil www.history.navy.mil


And, this may seem like an odd approach, bit if you know your dad’s height, and measure the sword length, if there is a big mismatch in the size sword that he would have been measured and fitted for, then it’s likely the sword was passed down to him.

Sword sizing is at the link below. A too-long sword is a trip hazard and ear-scraper, a too-short sword looks like a toy.


This will only work if they were disparate in height enough that it’s clear the sword would have not fit your dad well.
Click to expand...
Based on a 31' blade length, the sword would have to have been my grandfather's. He was over six feet tall, my dad is only five foot nine. Still hoping to hear back from my Aunt and dad.

Thank you for the help.
 
Heatherg21 said:
I am hoping some beloved ‘old timers’ might be able to see an image of it and tell me if it is likely a late ‘60’s sword, or late 30’s.
Click to expand...

I suspect there is little difference in swords between late 30's and 60's. except for degree of tarnish on the scabbard. I've got two swords --- one has some form of history and was from before the 50's (I don't recall the details) but my parents bought me a new one at graduation in '85. They are virtually identical.

The new one seemed such a great idea at graduation, but can probably count on one hand (maybe two) the times it has been out its case. I always meant to make a display, but never got it done. The older one was under the bed /in the nearby closet for nighttime home defense for years ..but the home security arrangments are much better now :)
 
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