Identified USMA Cadet Sword – ID’d To A Graduate In 1931. – SOLD

Description

Identified USMA Cadet Sword – Made from 1920 (22) to current.   Made by M.C. Lilley & Co,/ Columbus,0., which is etched on the ricasso on the same side as the “U.S.M.A.” etched panel. On the other side, and seen when the blade is drawn is the named etched panel for “Richard Sylvester Spangler.” The 28″ plain blade is in the diamond pattern as its predecessor (Model 1868/72). The leather washer is present and in fine condition as is the entire sword.  The cast brass hilt is a continuation of the old pattern with double eagle quillions, cone shaped, eagle decorated pommel with scroll extending outward from the top, with hole for sword knot, and the grips is a separate cast section of faux wire wrap with in white metal resembling  the classic silver look.  The brass on hilt and scabbard mounts is highly polished brass.  The scabbard, just like the earlier model is chrome plated.

The only departure from the old pattern, is the monogram of “MA” on the hilt, is replaced with the seal of the Academy, the Spartan helmet.

A very lengthy article from the El Paso Times for 18 December, 1998 , had an obituary for Colonel Spangler, claiming he was El Paso, Texas’ oldest West Point graduate and Pearl Harbor survivor. Spangler graduated from West Point Class of 1931, in the Coast Artillery Corps first at Fort Barrancas, Florida, then to the Philippine Islands.  In 1935 commanded a cable ship in New York Harbor, out of Fort Hancock. In 1939, then captain, he was transferred to Fort Barrette, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands, and was present when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, on Dec. 7, 1941.  1943 brought a move to Fort Monroe, Va to the Artillery School, and later was involved in research and development in artillery at the Pentagon. As deputy chief of the the Military Assistance Command to the Middle East in 1950, and returned to take command of the 16th AAA Group at Fort Hancock.  Col. Spangler then took command of the 52nd AAA in Staten Island, New York, and in the early development of the Nike missile program he played an important role of deploying these new systems at key locations in the early years of the Cold War.  Col. Spangler had a few other moves and retired in 1961.

There is much more about his career that I found in this obit online.

A fine conditioned sword, with a good history.