Original U.S. WWII Extravagant 1902 Eagle’s Head Officer’s Sword with Ruby Eyes Presented to Colonel Walter S. Wood, 2x Legion of Merit Recipient - Commanded Liaison Team in Salween Campaign
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Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is the most extravagant 1902 Officer’s sword we have ever offered, presented to Colonel (then Captain) Walter Shea Wood by the men of Company K, 33rd Infantry Regiment. This was likely presented to Wood for his service in the Philippines, which is where the 33rd Infantry was stationed. During World War II, Wood commanded American liaison teams of the Y-Force Operations Staff with the Chinese XI Army Group in China during the Salween Campaign.
The Salween Campaign began with the XI and XX Chinese Army Groups, which were later reinforced by another Chinese Army, brought up from the French-Indo boarder to complete the conquest of Sungshan. Under General Frank Dorn, Colonel Walter S. Wood commanded the American liaison teams with the XI Army Group, Colonel Harry A. Buckley those with the XX Army Group and Colonel Carlos G. Spaht those with the other Army. Colonel Wood was replaced by Colonel John K. Sells when the former returned to the United States upon completion of two years overseas service.
Wood was awarded two Legions of Merit, one for peacetime service and another for his service in the CBI Front at Salween.
This 1902 officer’s sword has a lovely gilt wash across the hilt and scabbard, with the pommel being an Eagle’s head design with ruby eyes very similar to those used in German lion’s head swords. The hilt has lovely floral motifs and a lovely grip.
The 29¾” nickel-plated blade is in good condition, and features lovely etched floral motifs and the American Eagle seal, over the name WALTER S. WOOD. The etching is gilt-inlaid as well, but the gilt is heavily faded. The spine is marked GERMANY. The leather blade buffer is still well-retained.
The scabbard is heavily worn, but has lovely ornate brass fittings with floral motifs. Between the throat and second fitting, the scabbard is engraved:
Presented to
Captain W.S. Wood
By the
Members of Co. K, 33rd Inf.
The gilt on the engraving is heavily worn and chipped, making it very difficult to read the engraving, but we are certain of our transcription.
This is a really tremendous identified 1902 Officer’s sword, probably the best example we’ve ever offered. Comes ready for further research and display.
Approximate Dimensions:
Blade Length: 29 3/4"
Overall length: 35 1/4“
Scabbard length: 31”
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