2-835-407 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

United States Army Officer's Presentation saber with scabbard owned by Colonel Charles Young. Young (1864-1922) was the third African-American graduate of the United States Military Academy, the first black U.S. national park superintendent, first black military attaché, first black man to achieve the rank of colonel in the United States Army, and highest-ranking black officer in the regular army until his death in 1922. The long thin blade has an intricately designed pattern over a frosted silver background. The floral and Americana design features flags and cannons, as well as the text, [US], [Chas. Young, U.S.A.], and the Great Seal of the United States. The hilt has basket overtop and a wooden handle with carved finger molds. Above the hilt, inscribed into the medal, is text that reads, [S.N. Meyer / Washington DC]. On the edge of the blade above the hilt, [GERMANY] has been inscribed showing its place of origin.;The scabbard is undecorated metal with two upraised lines attached to metal hoops. At the bottom the hilt has an extended curved design applied.