Sword
Object number2008.37.8 a,b
Datec. 1900
Possible OriginPittsburgh, PA
MediumSteel; other metals; leather
Credit LineGift of Gerald Price
DescriptionCeremonial band sword with scabbard. Steel blade. Leather-covered handle with gold metal hilt and hand guard, decorated with an embossed shield, leaves, stars, and an eagle. Blade slightly bowed. Scabbard is steel with gold metal decorations on body--including two belt loops--and on bottom; engraved with line and leaf decorations.Dimensions(a) Length: 34 ; Hilt Width: 4.25; Blade Width range: .125-.625(b) Length: 29.5 ; Width: 1.125
Inscriptions(a)
Marking on lower end where blade meets hilt: "V.PASCUZZI / PITTSBURGH / PA".
Historical NotesCeremonial band sword owned by donor Gerald Price's grandfather Peter Grillo. Part of a collection of items related to donor Gerald Price's Italian-American family, one of the earliest to settle in Wilmerding, Pennsylvania. The marking on the blade of the sword refers to Vincent Pascuzzi of Montour Street, Third Ward, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. According to the 1900 census, he was a tailor. The sword is thought to be a ceremonial sword for use by a member of an Italian wind band or immigrant fraternal organization, common in Pittsburgh at the turn of the 20th century.
Previous owner
Peter Grillo
Related person
Vincent Pascuzzi
On View
Not on view
1939
Marble's
c. 1898
1938-1940