WW2 Captain's Sword

[GI_Joe_63]

What can anyone tell me about this sword? It's my father-in-laws from WW2, he was a captain in the 29th Rangers. Landed on Omaha(Red Dog) and got his ticket home in St. Lo. Thanks.

[Allan H.]

Your sword is a 1902 Army Officer's sword. William C. Rowland of Philadelphia would have been the manufacturer. Obviously, your dad's name is etched on the blade as was common during the era.

 

All officers were required to purchase their own sword as part of their dress uniform prior to WWII. 

 

Allan

[GI_Joe_63]

13 minutes ago, Allan H. said:

Your sword is a 1902 Army Officer's sword. William C. Rowland of Philadelphia would have been the manufacturer. Obviously, your dad's name is etched on the blade as was common during the era.

 

All officers were required to purchase their own sword as part of their dress uniform prior to WWII. 

 

Allan

Thanks. He graduated from Clemson in 1939/40 and went into the Army from there. Why would he have gotten a 1902 sword? Thx

[JohnK83882]

No reason to update a sword that is used for ceremony only.

 

American Legion headquarters museum has a pre WW1 sword with rubber grips and what looked like a fiberglass sheath. Looked very much to me as a sword that was meant to be used in combat.

[KurtA]

7 minutes ago, GI_Joe_63 said:

Thanks. He graduated from Clemson in 1939/40 and went into the Army from there. Why would he have gotten a 1902 sword? Thx

That's the sword "type or model."  It has been in use since 1902.  Now used for ceremonial purposes only.    Navy officers currently wear a "Model 1852" sword. 

[GI_Joe_63]

any idea how much it's worth?

[Allan H.]

On 1/25/2025 at 8:07 AM, GI_Joe_63 said:

any idea how much it's worth?

Typically,  an M1902 Officer's sword in good condition is worth somewhere in the $100 to $150 range. You will see them priced higher, but they don't seem to sell above that. This is significantly less than what a brand new one would cost from Marlow White's, or another military uniforms merchant, but the reality is that there are LOADS of them in the collector market that can be had for much less than buying a new one.

 

Your example, being named to your father, would be worth more because of the fact that he was in a notable unit. I would figure the sword somewhere in the $500 range on the collectors' market. Maybe someone would even pay more. You never know...

 

Allan