S.N. Meyer Washington, D.C. U.S. Class of 1922

Updated August 18, 2026

This auction ended on August 22, 2026. See upcoming auctions from Big Shanty Auction.
Lot number223
Estimate500.00 - 800.00 USD
AuctionAUGUST AUCTION
DateAugust 22, 2026 at 12:00 PM EDT
Auction houseBig Shanty Auction
LocationMarietta, Georgia

Early 20th-century American naval presentation/dress sword retailed by S.N. Meyer of Washington, D.C., the gilt-brass hilt fitted with a pierced half-basket guard incorporating “USN” amid scrolling foliage and naval ornament, recurved quillon, richly modeled backstrap and knuckle bow, and an ivory-toned shagreen-style grip tightly wound with multiple strands of twisted wire. The straight steel blade is extensively etched and decorated on both faces with scrolling foliate work, patriotic and naval imagery, and presentation inscriptions relating to a Midshipman Henry Parke Needham and the Class of 1922, with additional wording visible including "The Only Shot That Counts Are The Shots That Hit" and "Prize for Excellence in Practical and Theoretical Gunnery” identifying it as a prize or presentation sword associated with naval training rather than an ordinary regulation example. A small applied label at the ricasso reads “S.N. MEYER INC. WASHINGTON D.C.” The sword retains its original dark-finished scabbard with gilt-brass mounts, suspension rings, and elaborate cast drag, although the scabbard surface shows extensive flaking and losses to the outer covering. The sword itself exhibits age-related toning, scattered oxidation and darkening to the blade, rubbing and losses to portions of the etched decoration, patination and wear to the gilt fittings, and substantial age wear and fraying to the original sword knot and textile elements; the grip appears largely intact with expected discoloration and handling wearMeasures 37.35"H x 5"W x 3"D, blade is 31.75"long and with scabbard it is 39"long overall.

S.N. Meyer Washington, D.C. U.S. Class of 1922

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