Sword Presented to David G. Farragut

Presented to Rear Admiral David G. Farragut by Members of the Union League Club in New York on April 23, 1864

David Glasgow Farragut began his naval career at the as an adolescent midshipman during the War of 1812. He went on to become the first admiral in the United States Navy. He is best remembered for a paraphrasing of his orders at the Battle of Mobile Bay as his flagship attempted to navigate a channel full of sea mines, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!”

This sword has a long, slightly curved, single-edged blade decorated with floral designs and military trophies on both sides in silver and gold chasing. A "USN" monogram, an eagle, and a figure blowing a horn are visible on the obverse. Military trophies and another figure blowing a horn can be seen on the reverse as well. The metal grip is cylindrical and wound with twisted gilt wire. The pommel bears the cast of a majestic eagle and below it a line of blue, diamond encrusted stars that wrap around the pommel. The knuckle guard is completely covered in castings of oak leaves and sprays. The knuckle guard terminates in a small quillon shaped like a scroll. The counterguard is fairly large, and features laurel sprays surrounding scroll designs, which surround a blue enamel medallion. The medallion bears the initials "DFG" which are encrusted in approximately 70 small diamonds of varying size.

The scabbard bears three gold metal mounts. The first two mounts bear castings of an anchor surrounded by oak sprays and acorns. The third mount just features oak sprays and acorns. Engraved on the space between the first two mounts is the inscription “PRESENTED TO / Rear Admiral David G. Farragut, / by Members of the UNION LEAGUE CLUB, as a token of / their appreciation of his gallant Services rendered / in defense of his Country. New York. / April 23RD 1864.” A Tiffany & Co. maker's mark is on the reverse of the scabbard at the top. There are two carrying rings, one on the right side of the top two mounts.

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