Museum object · Weapons and Ammunition
US Marine Corps sword presented to 2nd Lt. Wendell C. Chinn
before 1972
Prairie View, Waller County, Texas, United States, North and Central America
Source catalog description
This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.
A US Marine Corps Sword (a), with scabbard (b) and sword sheath cover (c) (leather and cotton), presented to then 2nd Lt Wendell C. Chinn Sr., upon graduation from Prairie View A&M University in 1972. The sword is etched with a pattern and the text “United State Marines” and“Wendell C. Chinn” on the stainless steel blade. Etched on tip of blade is “50th Anniversary / PVAMU NROTC #1 of 5”. The sword has an ivory-colored hilt with gold metal accents and a gold metal rain-guard. The black corded tassel hangs from the curved pommel. The scabbard is also stainless steel with gold metal accents and chape. The sword and scabbard are housed in a black case with attached black handle and gold metal clasp.
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Sources & collection details
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture — original record ↗
Catalog metadata · CC0 · Source checked 2026-10-13
Catalog reference: 2019.79abc