Conserving the Congressional Presentation Sword and Scabbard of Major General John E. Wool (1784–1869).
“Occasionally, objects on display need unexpected conservation, like this richly decorated gold-hilted sword acquired in 2009. Presented by the United States Congress to Major General John E. Wool for his pivotal role in the American victory at Buena Vista during the Mexican War, the hilt features an American Eagle, perched atop an ear of corn, and a snake entwined with a cactus representing Mexico as the cross guard. Because of the sword’s high gold content, the hilt and scabbard weren’t lacquered before putting them on display – an oversight as it turns out. The scabbard contains significantly higher amounts of silver than we realized and eventually began to show signs of tarnish. Since the Museum is currently closed two days of the week, it was the perfect time for me to remove it from display on a Tuesday morning, clean the scabbard, and lacquer the scabbard and hilt before returning it to the galleries by the end of the following day.”
-Ted Hunter, Armorer and Conservator
Congressional Presentation Sword and Scabbard of Major General John E. Wool (1784–1869). Sword cutler: Samuel Jackson (American, Baltimore, active 1833–70). American, probably Baltimore, 1854–55. Purchase, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger and Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Goelet Gifts, 2009 (2009.8a–c)
Source: Department of Arms and Armor at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Facebook Page
