Skip to main content
U.S. Coast Guard Officer's Sword and Scabbard
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
U.S. Coast Guard Officer's Sword and Scabbard
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

U.S. Coast Guard Officer's Sword and Scabbard

Artifact SeriesDomestic Gifts
Artifact IDDO.05252011-39-1.a-c
Object Type Saber
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Date ca. 2011
Medium metal (brass, steel), leather, wood, plastic, felt, stain, adhesive
DimensionsOverall - 3D (.a: Saber) L 34 3/4 in x W 4 1/2 in x H 2 1/2 in (6.4 cm x 11.4 cm x 88.3 cm )
 Overall - 3D (.b: Scabbard) H 30 1/2 in x W 1 1/2 in x D 1 in (77.5 cm x 3.8 cm x 2.5 cm )
 Overall - 3D (.c: Mounting Rack) H 4 1/4 in x W 42 in x D 11 in (10.8 cm x 106.7 cm x 27.9 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionAn officer's stainless steel sword (.a) and leather scabbard (.b) presented on a dark wood mounting rack (.c). The sword is made of stainless steel and etched with nautical and floral designs along both sides of the blade, with some of the designs including anchors, ropes, a trident, and an eagle. "USCG" is engraved in a scroll on one side and the other is engraved "Barack H. Obama." The guard is made of 24 karat gold-plated brass, and features the letters "USCG" in a scroll at top surrounded by a botanical motif. The cap and pommel feature an eagle surrounded by stars. Wrapped around the guard is a sword knot made of gold bullion wire. The handle is made of an ivory colored plastic - intended to look like fish skin - and wrapped with a twisted gold wire. The scabbard is made of black calf skin, with three gold-plated brass mounts; with the top two mounts each having a single carrying ring attached. The tip features a serpent design, while the top two mounts feature a coiled rope design. The mounting rack displays the U.S. Coast Guard seal at top center, and engraved plaque at bottom center. There are two grooves cut into the reverse side of the piece for mounting.
Inscriptions and MarkingsText on display rack plaque: Barack Hussein Obama United States Coast Guard Academy Class of 2011 Commencement "Semper Paratus" Etched into the blade, on the reverse side: BARACK H. OBAMA Stamped into the obverse of the blade, just above the hilt: [image of knights head] WKC GERMANY Est. 1883 Stainless Stamped into reverse of the blade, just above the hilt: [six-pointed star] PROVED
Historical NoteReceived on the occasion of President Barack Obama delivering the commencement address at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut on May 18, 2011.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Barack Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesDomestic Gifts (National Archives Identifier 66540613)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Related Links
A video of President Obama delivering the address at the 2011 Coast Guard Academy commencement ceremony was posted on The Obama White House YouTube account: "U.S. Coast Guard Academy Commencement"