US NAVAL ACADEMY DRESS SWORD 1920 ZELLARS-HONORED withDESTROYER NAME+-WMH BELLIS
This recent Estate find is an ANTIQUE United States Naval Dress Sword made by WMH BELLIS, ANNAPOLIS, MD. Zellars had a Destroyer named after him – USS ZELLARS (DD-777) and has a plaque erected in his memory at THE US NAVAL ACADEMY in Annapolis, Maryland. Zellar graduated from the Naval Academy in 1920 and likely obtained the sword at that time. It may be older than this date. The maker, WMH BELLIS, from google searches is believed to have gone out of business between 1936 and 1949. Measurements – 37″ Long x 5″ (at widest). Sword and Scabbard are in Very Good condition for use and age with some expected wear. Everything is fully in tact with readable engravings and beautiful design work on the blade. Scabbard shows more more on the leather as would be expected for a 100 year old piece. Handle has very slight wobble where it meets butt, but fully in tact and solid. This is truly a RARE find with such a prominent history of it’s owner. Please see condition description and all pictures.