Bethesda family looking for prized heirloom lost in the mail

BETHESDA, Md. (FOX 5 DC) - A Bethesda family needs help as they look for a family heirloom that was lost in the mail.

The family says they're willing to do anything to get back the sword that has been in their family for more than 100 years.

"That sword is really a symbol of the spirit of all of our past family members that are not able to be with us today," said Michelle Harmon.

The sword belonged to her great grandfather, who was a decorated naval Admiral.

"He served in both wars. He received the Navy Cross. He received two bronze stars. He received a Purple Heart," she said.

The same sword was used to cut his wedding cake. And, as tradition follows, the sword has been used cut the cakes at the weddings of his descendants.

"It's extremely special to us," Harmon said.

When it was time for her younger sister to marry, she planned on using the sword.

Michelle's cousin in Texas is the sword's keeper. He sent the sword to Maryland via UPS for the tradition to continue, but something went wrong.

"We were told it was going to be delivered on April 18 here in Bethesda. On April 18th we got an update that said the package was lost and they were trying to locate it," she said.

They filed a claim for the lost item.

More than 10 days later, UPS contacted her family, saying they are closing the case and offering her $200 for the lost sword.

But Michelle isn't willing to give up yet.

"I'm not willing to accept that this sword that has been in our family for over 100 years, that has been an integral part of the tapestry of our family is gone forever. I feel that it's out there someplace and it's a matter of us just really looking, opening up our eyes and finding it," Harmon said.

The family has tried everything - and now they're offering a reward for anyone who comes forward with the sword.

Click here if you can help the family find their sword.