The American Revolution & The War of 1812

The Congressional Presentation Sword of Midshipman Frank Toscan during The War of 1812

The Congressional Presentation Sword of Midshipman Frank Toscan

Inscription Reads:   "FRANK TOSCAN, Midshipman / Reindeer Captured June 1814"

The reverse side of the blade is inscribed with the Latin Motto:  "Altius iburnt qui ad / summa nituntur"

These blades were ordered from the WILLIAM ROSE SWORD COMPANY.
They are etched by John Meer and presented by an Act of Congress to Naval Heroes of the War of 1812.
They are beautifully detailed with a pommel depicting a mythical warrior.

The grip has a raised Mermaid holding an urn above her head.
The open work on the knuckle bow embraces an oval containing a classical portrait.
The large counter guard is highly decorated with an eagle, anchor, flags, and cannon.
The reverse side of the counter guard has a wreath with a flowing ribbon that is flanked by the large letters "U.S."

The scabbard, which is not pictured, has a black leather body with fancy, guilt brass mounts.
The mounts are decorated with an anchor & dolphin along with floral designs.



The American Revolution & The War of 1812

On the 28th of June, 1814, the United States Sloop "WASP" engaged in a battle with the British Sloop "REINDEER".
The battle resulted in the men of the WASP boarding the REINDEER. Fierce hand-to-hand combat occurred.
Nineteen minutes after the boarding, the crew of the WASP obtained a decisive victory resulting in the capture of the REINDEER.
Midshipman Frank Toscan was mortally wounded during the action and died shortly after from the wounds received in the battle.
He was one of the very few heroes of his time to be posthumously honored by The Congress of the United States of America.


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