For sale is a 1960s WEST POINT MILITARY ACADEMY DRESS SWORD made by N.S. Meyer Inc., West Germany. This ornate ceremonial sword is in excellent condition. The sword’s hilt includes the West Point Academy’s seal which depicts the Athenian helmet of Greek mythology and the Academy’s motto: “Duty – Honor – Country”. The stainless steel blade of this sword is etched with the following text: “William R. Taylor 1969”. This name would have been the cadet who received the sword and the year of the cadet’s graduation. This was a tough time to graduate from the Academy. In 1969, West Point graduated 800 officers of which 503 served in Vietnam. The sword from tip to end measures 35 1/2 inches in length. A terrific military collectible.
At some time after 1922, the West Point sword was modified to carry the seal of the Academy representing the Athenian helmet of Greek mythology, reflecting the adoption of this into the Academy’s coat of arms, instead of the letters “MA” on its guard. The seal as adopted about the turn of the 20th century was designed with the classical helmet facing sinister (to the heraldic left or viewer’s right).
The West Point Cadets’ Sword is issued to cadet officers for wear when the uniform is designated as “under arms,” to include formal functions, drill, parades, inspections and graduation. The swords are issued to cadets in their 4th year, and are returned to the Academy upon separation, although Cadets have the option of buying their saber or purchasing a newly made one. Despite its straight blade and lack of a knuckle guard, it is referred to by USMA staff and cadets as a “saber,” likely because the commands for its manual of arms utilize that term as the command of execution (e.g. “Draw…sabers!”).
The design of the Academy sword is based on the sword used by the US Army when USMA was founded on 16 March 1802. The swords are believed to be similar to the 1767 French Grenadier Sergeant’s sword used in the Revolutionary Army. The first swords procured for the Academy were delivered in 1838.
