40014: Fancy Model 1852 World War II U.S. Navy Officer'

Fancy Model 1852 World War II U.S. Navy Officer's Presentation Dress Sword by Horstmann. Made by Horstmann in Philadelphia with sharkskin grip and engraved blade W. R. PURNELL, with gold-plated leather scabbard. The blade measures 27 inches long and is etched with American motifs on each side. Note: William R. Purnell was a rear admiral and chief of staff of the Asiatic Fleet at the outbreak of World War II. He was usually referred to as W. R. Purnell and signed documents as such. William Purnell graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1908. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral. He won the Navy Cross as Commanding Officer of the USS Lamson in World War I and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal as Chief of Staff to Commander-in-Chief, Asiatic Fleet, and Commander U.S. Forces, Southwest Pacific. He married Ellen Ada Phelps, daughter of Walter Phelps Dodge. He was from Missouri and is buried in Golden Gate National Cemetery. Condition: Good overall, showing light handling wear and fine patches of pitting. Few scuffs present to leather. HID03101062020 © 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved