Sometime after 1922, the West Point sword was modified with the Academy's seal depicting Athena's helmet from Greek mythology, reflecting its addition to the Academy's coat of arms in place of the letters "MA" on its shield. Introduced at the turn of the 20th century, the seal was designed with a classical helmet facing sinister (heraldically to the viewer's left or right).
In 1922 it was
pointed out that this was contrary to the best heraldic usage, which places
greater honor on the right side (heraldic right or viewer's left). The helmet
was then turned to the smart. All crested swords examined had the hilt facing
right. The earliest examples of these are well made with brass handles. On
either side of the straight blade is a wide central storm with two edges
running from the ricasso to the tip 8 inches. The back of the blade is engraved
"U.S.M.A."
The handle is similar to the previous model, except for changes to the proportions of the elements, the use of white metal on the handles and the use of a guard instead of the letters "MA" on the cover. The hood is exactly the same, except the frame is extra.
The current
manufacturer is WKC Stahl- und Metallwarenfabrik in Solingen, Germany.
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