US Model 1852 Naval Officers Sword of WWII US Navy Reserve Lt. JG. L.F. Bassett

World War II

30" single edged spear point blade, .75" wide at ricasso with a 20" stopped median fuller. 35.5" in overall length, with a 5.75" gilt brass hilt with traditional US Naval motifs including a sea monster forward swept upper quillon, a sea monster knuckle bow and USN in a ribbon in the face of the guard with oak leaves and acorns. Pommel cap with the traditional {Eagle} surrounded by stars. Synthetic grip in the form of shagreen with 14 wraps of gilt brass wire. Blade marked MADE/U.S.A on the obverse ricasso and decorated with 16.5" etched panels with traditional foliate, martial, nautical and patriotic themes, including USN in a ribbon, a fouled anchor, an American Eagle, rope knots and a Shield of Columbia with an anchor. The lower portion of the obverse panel is not etched with a name, but the name L.F. Bassett is engraved on the inside face of the guard. The sword is accompanied by its leather covered metal scabbard with gilt brass mounts. An engraved aluminum ID bracelet that reads L.F. Bassett/102812/U.S.N.R. is included as well.

Lovert Franklin "Frank" Bassett (1916-1955) served as the commander of the Auxiliary Motor Minesweeper YMS-226 during World War II. He served from 1 October 1942 to 3 April 1945. After the war he ran his own insurance company and sold insurance in San Mateo, CA. He passed away in 1955 in the Chicago area.

Condition
Fine. Blade is mostly bright and retains most of the frosty etching. Hilt retains much of the gilt finish. Guard is very slightly bent, leaving a small gap between the rear face of the guard and the grip. Grip and hilt with light wear. Scabbard with more moderate wear, showing some scuffing and finish loss to the leather.

Provenance
From the Collection of George Oldenbourg