Jonathan Pettibone's Sword
French and Indian War veteran Colonel Jonathan Pettibone carried this small sword, engraved with his name, when he commanded the 18th Connecticut Militia Regiment during the New York campaign of 1776. From their positions in Manhattan, the Connecticut militiamen could hear raging cannon and gun fire as the Battle of Brooklyn Heights began on August 27th. Colonel Pettibone fell ill in September and died in Rye, New York, on his march home. In his will, Pettibone left this sword to his son Jonathan, who also served in the militia.
Object Details
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Small Sword
Hilt made by Joseph Copp
New London, Connecticut
ca. 1757
Silver, Steel, Iron, Wood
Museum of the American Revolution, Donated by B. Owen Williams in memory of the Pettibone and Cheney families
2017.22.01
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Discovering History: Memorialization at the Museum
Associate Curator Matthew Skic takes you through the stories of Revolutionary soldiers and officers such as Polish cavalryman Casimir Pulaski, Colonel Jonathan Pettibone, and Gershom Prince.
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British and French Swords
View two intricately decorated small swords, one of which was made in France and other in England.
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Jeremiah Keeler's Hanger (Sword)
This hanger belonged to Sergeant Jeremiah Keeler, who served at the Siege of Yorktown in 1781, and was given to him by the Marquis de Lafayette.
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