Measuring 38 1/2 inches in overall length, the sword follows the overall pattern of the U.S. Model 1902 sword, though with a much higher level of decoration and embellishment. The blade is 32 3/4 inches long, with the Kalamazoo, Michigan address etched on the left side, a small trademark (appears to be the "tiger" stamp of Lauterjung & Co of Solingen) on the reverse, and gold accented patriotic and martial etching on much of the surface, along with the etched name "Emery J./San Souci" on the right side of the blade. The 3-branch guard is gold washed, with sculpted oak leaf designs, a fouled anchor beneath a "HOPE" banner (a traditional Rhode Island symbol, dating clear back to the Colonial days) on the guard, grooved horn grip and a silver and black wire portapee. The nickel scabbard is decorated with pierced-through and engraved gold washed furniture, with a prominent sculpted American eagle on the throat, "EJS" monogram on the mid-band, and an intertwined "US" on a banner topped with a laurel wreath on the tip, and bearing the inscription "Presented /to/Col.Emery J. San Souci/By Providence Friends Dec. 1908". Born in Maine in 1857, Emery San Souci left school early to support his family, and went into the East Coast shoe trade, eventually establishing a business with his brothers in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1890 before entering politics as a member of the Providence City Council in 1900. In 1908 he was appointed as aide-de-camp (receiving the honorary title of Colonel) to the Governor of Rhode Island, a role he would occupy for six years. From 1915-1921 he served as Lieutenant Governor of the state before being elected to Governor in 1921; his victory is noted as being driven by a wave of recently enfranchised lady voters participating in their first state election. Leaving office in 1923, San Souci was appointed by President Harding as Collector for the Port of Providence, a position he would hold until his retirement from government work in 1935.

Very fine. The blade retains 60% plus original nickel, with some areas of flaking, as well as a strong gold wash, good detail in the etching and some mild spotting. The guard and scabbard furniture are both very good, with a well aged antique brass patina on the high points and a few mild handling marks, while the body of the scabbard shows some mild wear and scuffs.