RARE & IMPORTANT NAVAL OFFICER’S SWORD OF COMMODORE MATTHEW PERRY ON HIS FIRST VOYAGE OF THE “OPENING OF JAPAN”.

This most important, historic sword is among the earliest regulation Model 1852 US Navy officers swords known. Also, as far as we are aware this is the only sword known to have belonged to Commodore Perry. There are volumes of research materials accompanying this sword, including letters from sword authority and historian John Thilmann explaining the French makers marks, dating manufacture to 1850-1855. Commodore Perry is shown in an engraving published in the London Illustrated News, May 7, 1853, which was taken from a contemporary daguerreotype whose presence is currently unknown which should clearly show the details of this exact sword. Renown historian and genealogist Nancy D. Rossbacher writes a compelling treatise on the sword and its inscription found on drag “THIS SWORD WAS ONCE THE PROPERTY OF MATTHEW G. PERRY, COMMODORE USN / WHO CONDUCTED THE SKILLFUL NEGOTIATION WHICH OPENED JAPAN TO FOREIGN / COMMERCE IN 1854 – PRESENTED TO ADELPHOI LODGE, A.F. & A.M. No. 33RI / FEBRUARY 7 1882.” The Adelphoi Lodge of ancient free and accepted Masons came into existence in Providence, Rhode Island in 1876. Perry had also lived in Newport, Rhode Island and is buried there. From the start, the Lodge aimed to be unlike others as its members were political movers and shakers, well connected men in industrial pursuits and finances, a proper home form the sword of Commodore Perry who made many industrialists rich. Commodore Matthew Perry (1794-1858) was a lifelong naval man. He first went to sea at age 15 under the command of his older brother, Oliver Hazard Perry, a hero of the War of 1812 and American icon like his brother. During the Mexican War, Commodore Perry commanded the largest American naval force and became an advocate for steam engines. Perry became known as “THE FATHER OF THE STEAM NAVY”. Perry’s greatest accomplishment began in 1850 when he proposed a plan for diplomatic missions to Japan. In 1853, Perry sailed on the USS Mississippi heading the expedition to Japan. He carried official Presidential letters to negotiate a treaty with the Japanese. Japan had not opened it borders regularly to any Western nation in more than 200 years. Perry’s report that followed made him a world wide hero in the Western world. He also became well known in Japan and his images in contemporary wood cuts are well known. There are monuments commemorating Perry’s opening of Japan both in the US and Japan. Commodore Perry’s opening of Japan has been revisited in a fabulous MIT 2008-2010 project titled “BLACK SHIPS AND SAMURAI”. Perry’s extensive biography and research notes accompany this lot. PROVENANCE: Commodore Matthew Perry, 1852-1853; Adelphoi Lodge, 1882; Mike Custodia (Providence, RI Estate Sale), 2009; Sotheby’s Lot #94, June 11, 2013. CONDITION: Fine “as found”. Sword retains much of its original gilt on hilt and mounts. 29″ blade retains most of its original luster with fine etched patriotic naval motifs as can be seen in photos. Sharkskin grip is complete with wear to high surfaces. Scabbard body is sound and solid, showing light shrinkage, crazing and light cracking. Inscription is impeccable and easily read. 51339-1 (25,000-50,000) – Lot 2026

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Auction: Fine Art, Asian & Antiques - Winter 2017

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2026	$0.00	RARE & IMPORTANT NAVAL OFFICER’S SWORD OF COMMODORE MATTHEW PERRY ON HIS FIRST VOYAGE OF THE “OPENING OF JAPAN”. This most important, historic sword is among the earliest regulation Model 1852 US Navy officers swords known. Also, as far as we are aware this is the only sword known to have belonged to Commodore Perry. There are volumes of research materials accompanying this sword, including letters from sword authority and historian John Thilmann explaining the French makers marks, dating manufacture to 1850-1855. Commodore Perry is shown in an engraving published in the London Illustrated News, May 7, 1853, which was taken from a contemporary daguerreotype whose presence is currently unknown which should clearly show the details of this exact sword. Renown historian and genealogist Nancy D. Rossbacher writes a compelling treatise on the sword and its inscription found on drag “THIS SWORD WAS ONCE THE PROPERTY OF MATTHEW G. PERRY, COMMODORE USN / WHO CONDUCTED THE SKILLFUL NEGOTIATION WHICH OPENED JAPAN TO FOREIGN / COMMERCE IN 1854 – PRESENTED TO ADELPHOI LODGE, A.F. & A.M. No. 33RI / FEBRUARY 7 1882.” The Adelphoi Lodge of ancient free and accepted Masons came into existence in Providence, Rhode Island in 1876. Perry had also lived in Newport, Rhode Island and is buried there. From the start, the Lodge aimed to be unlike others as its members were political movers and shakers, well connected men in industrial pursuits and finances, a proper home form the sword of Commodore Perry who made many industrialists rich. Commodore Matthew Perry (1794-1858) was a lifelong naval man. He first went to sea at age 15 under the command of his older brother, Oliver Hazard Perry, a hero of the War of 1812 and American icon like his brother. During the Mexican War, Commodore Perry commanded the largest American naval force and became an advocate for steam engines. Perry became known as “THE FATHER OF THE STEAM NAVY”. Perry’s greatest accomplishment began in 1850 when he proposed a plan for diplomatic missions to Japan. In 1853, Perry sailed on the USS Mississippi heading the expedition to Japan. He carried official Presidential letters to negotiate a treaty with the Japanese. Japan had not opened it borders regularly to any Western nation in more than 200 years. Perry’s report that followed made him a world wide hero in the Western world. He also became well known in Japan and his images in contemporary wood cuts are well known. There are monuments commemorating Perry’s opening of Japan both in the US and Japan. Commodore Perry’s opening of Japan has been revisited in a fabulous MIT 2008-2010 project titled “BLACK SHIPS AND SAMURAI”. Perry’s extensive biography and research notes accompany this lot. PROVENANCE: Commodore Matthew Perry, 1852-1853; Adelphoi Lodge, 1882; Mike Custodia (Providence, RI Estate Sale), 2009; Sotheby’s Lot #94, June 11, 2013. CONDITION: Fine “as found”. Sword retains much of its original gilt on hilt and mounts. 29″ blade retains most of its original luster with fine etched patriotic naval motifs as can be seen in photos. Sharkskin grip is complete with wear to high surfaces. Scabbard body is sound and solid, showing light shrinkage, crazing and light cracking. Inscription is impeccable and easily read. 51339-1 (25,000-50,000) – Lot 2026 Click here to view provenance Auction: Fine Art, Asian & Antiques - Winter 2017 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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RARE & IMPORTANT NAVAL OFFICER’S SWORD OF COMMODORE MATTHEW PERRY ON HIS FIRST VOYAGE OF THE “OPENING OF JAPAN”.