Produced by Tiffany & Company of New York using a Collins & Company (Hartford, Conn.) made blade, this sword measures 34 3/4 inches long, with a 28 3/4 inch etched double fuller blade, showing U.S. Navy and patriotic themes along both sides, the etched Tiffany address on the left and the stamped Collins address and "1862" on the ricasso. The hilt is gold plated, with pierced-through oak leaf and acorn decoration, vine engraving, and a silver plated brass grip with copper wire wrap. Black leather scabbard with gilt brass hardware, showing three-dimensional sculpted anchors on the suspension bands and drag, raised oak leaves on the bands, and an engraved design of a sea serpent and a trident on the tip. The rear of the top suspension band/throat is engraved "From Col. M.D. Myers to his friend "J.M.ROSSE, Executive/officer U.S.Steamer Naugatuck, June 12th, 1865" arranged above an icon for a high level Royal Arch Mason and Knight Templar of the Sylvan Chapter (New Jersey). Starting life in 1844 as a commercial steamer the Naugatuck (aka the Stevens) served as the base for an experimental ironclad, fitted with heavy guns and an on-board ballast system that allowed the crew to manually lower the waterline for passing through shallows and then raise it when going into battle, protecting the ship's vitals from enemy fire. Spending most of the Civil War defending New York Harbor (including participation in the Draft Riots), Naugatuck was also part of the squadron that blocked the escape of the CSS Virginia (aka Merrimack), forcing it's destruction to prevent capture, as well as participating in the Battle of Drewry's Bluff. After the war, Naugatuck continued to provide costal security with the U.S. Revenue Service, patrolling the inland sounds of North Carolina before finally being retired in 1889.

Very fine. The blade shows some patches of heavy pitting, otherwise the finish and etching are both solid. The gilt components are excellent, showing 90% plus original finish, with attractive detail in the engraving and a few light handling marks, while the grip retains over 70% of the original silver, well aged in the lower areas, brighter atop the ribbing, and some well-aged exposed brass on the high points. The leather is good, with a few scuffs and cracks. An attractive example of a Tiffany-furnished presentation sword with top quality fittings.