U. S. MODEL 1852 PRESENTATION SWORD with one side of the blade elaborately etched and gilt washed with inscription "PRESENTED/to F. E. Meredith/Gunner USN/by his Shipmates/OF THE RESERVE/Torpedo Flotilla/Norfolk Virginia/1907". Reverse decorated with a spread wing American Eagle, fouled anchors, flags, cannon, running horse, etc. Also marked with supplier's name "S. N./MEYER/WASHINGTON/D. C". Blade length 31". Guard with silver conjoined initials "USN". Knuckle bow/guard terminates on both ends with dolphin motifs. Pommel with an Eagle and a circle of raised stars. Shagreen grips with twisted, gilt wire, wrapping. Black leather scabbard with three elaborate mounts, the top has a raised square knot, the center with a ship portrait and the bottom with raised foliate motifs terminating with a sea serpent. Reverse of each mount also nicely engraved. Overall length 37 1/2". Condition near mint throughout. Illustrated and discussed on page 39 in Rankin's book "Small Arms of the Sea Services. Gunner Floyd E. Meredith is listed in the U. S. Navy's list of commissioned and warrant officers as having left the Navy in February 1908. Ex collection Norm Flayderman.