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Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum, Grand Rapids, MI
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum, Grand Rapids, MI
The American Independence Sword
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum, Grand Rapids, MI
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum, Grand Rapids, MI

The American Independence Sword

Artifact ID1987.494 a-c
Object Type Sword
Date ca. 1976
Medium leather, brass, foam, satin, unknown, velvet, fabric, steel, enamel
DimensionsOverall (sword measured in presentation box) H 4 in x W 39 1/2 in x D 6 1/2 in (10.2 cm x 100.3 cm x 16.5 cm )

Physical Description(a,b) A narrow silver sword displays gold floral scrollwork against a black background. The pommel features an image of an eagle with outstretched wings encircled by diamond-studded stars against a blue background. The hilt is wrapped in blue leather accented with silver cord, and it has silver eagles with outstretched wings enclosed in silver circles below it.

(c) A rectangular blue leather presentation box is lined with white fabric on the interior of the lid and is padded with red fabric on the bottom portion.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from the general public to President Ford during his term in office. It was presented to Ford and maintained at the Executive Office of the President until its transfer to the National Archives in 1981 for deposit with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum.
Use Restriction Status Unrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.