An Excellent Example of a named American P1902 Army Officers’ Sword.
The swords’ 756mm curved blade has a flat spine and single fuller on both sides. The blade terminates in a narrow hatchet point. The blade is in excellent condition. The ricasso bears the maker’s logo, Zubco, Spain and the blade is etched with floral scrollwork surrounding the Great Seal of the United States of America. The obverse ricasso bears an etched proof mark and the blade is etched with floral scrollwork and “U.S.”
The blade is also engraved with the name Colonel Hugh S. Finlayson Jr. The sword was presented to Colonel Finlayson on his retirement as Professor of Military Science at Loyola University in New Orleans. Rather embarrassingly, the engraver misinterpreted the Colonel’s name, apparently due to the poorly handwritten example, so the actual engraving reads “Finlaysou.”
The barred hilt retains its original plating and the composite grip is in excellent condition.
The plated steel scabbard retains its original plating and is engraved with “Professor of Military Science.”
Col. Finlayson retired from the Army in 1974 with over 31 years of service, which included tours of duty in France and Belgium where he fought in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. After WW2, he saw action in Korea and Vietnam before serving at the American Embassy in Belgium, and numerous stateside assignments, ending as Professor of Military Science at Loyola University in New Orleans. Earlier in his life, before signing up for World War II, he was a pitcher with the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball team.
Colonel Finlayson's decorations include The Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Joint Services Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. He was also inducted into the Field Artillery Hall of Fame.
The Colonel was a legend. He passed away in 2005.
