ARIZONA SWORDS ARIZONA SWORDS
United States Marine Corps
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resented edge weapons.
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US01. UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS CIVIL WAR SNCO SWORD SCABBARD: This is a rare scabbard for a United State Marine Corps Civil War period SNCO sword. It is in mint condition and is an early example with the Horstman scroll mark on the reverse side of the top mount. The sword that would fit this scabbard will have a 1-inch wide blade and no longer then 28 inches. Also, it will be unetched. If you have this sword here is the opportunity to marry it with the correct Civil War period scabbard. $1400.00
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A108. UNITED
STATED MARINE CORPS EAGLE- HEAD, NCO SWORD 1840-1850 – HIGH GRADE SCABBARD: This is an extremely rare United States Marine Corps
eagle-head NCO sword complete with the original leather grip and wire, and
a silver-plated brass scabbard with original mounts. It dates to the late
1840’s thru the 1850’s. The hilt, which is Horstmann marked, is tight with a
nice untouched patina; and the 32-inch blade retains all original etching, but the
blue and gold finish has faded to a brown finish. Normally, the scabbard would
be leather; however, this has a silver-plated brass scabbard that is fitted to
the blade, and you can see how the langet, which overhangs the top of the
scabbard, protected the silver. Its patina indicated the blade is original
to the scabbard. Most likely, this sword
belonged to a senior SNCO and was a private purchase with a higher grade Horstmann
marked blade and the higher-grade silver-plated scabbard. Most of the silver is
gone leaving a brass with a nice mellow patina. This is a difficult sword to
locate! $3900.00
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A109. PRE CIVIL WAR - UNITED STATED MARINE CORPS - EAGLE HEAD, NCO SWORD 1840-1850: This is an extremely rare United States Marine Corps eagle-head NCO sword complete with the original leather grip and wire, and leather scabbard with original mounts. It dates to the late 1840’s thru the 1850’s. The hilt, which is Horstmann marked, is tight; and the “Warranted” marked 33-inch blade retains all original etching, but is void of its blue and gold finish except near the langet. All the brass have matching patina, and the leather scabbard is very strong. This is a difficult sword to locate! $3500.00
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A167. UNITED STATED MARINE CORPS EAGLE- HEAD, ADULT MUSICIAN SWORD 1840-1850. This United States Marine Corps eagle-head adult musician sword dates to the late 1840’s thru the 1850’s. The hilt, which is Horstmann marked, is tight and the 27 1/2-inch blade retains some original blue and gold finish with period sharpening, and a repair 6 inches from the tip. Shipping & Insurance included. $1600.00
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U407. HORSTMANN - POST CIVIL WAR - M1850 STAFF NCO SWORD: This post-Civil War Marine Corp M1850 Staff NCO sword dates to the mid-1870's. It is a Civil War period blade which has had its etching modified to read U.S.M.C and placed a later period scabbard. The scabbard is leather covered metal, which places it just after the war. The guard and the scabbard have the matching serial number No. 158; the guard and pommel cap are tight; the grip and wire are original with 98% of the bright black leather, and the original blade washer has kept the 29 1/2" blade tight. The blade is in mint condition with 100% original frosting, and W.H. Horstmann marked. The scabbard is the SNCO design with the frog carry stud. It is leather covered steel. Historically, these scabbards did not hold up well and the leather often is falling off or missing. This one retains 100% of the leather and the front is perfect with the back seam shows some separation. This is one of the best examples I have seen and it is out of my private collection. $2500.00
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U426. AMES 1859 CONTRACT - CIVIL WAR PERIOD - UNITED STATE MARINE CORPS BOY MUSICIAN'S SWORD: In all my years of collecting, this is the only known example of a Civil War United States Marine Corps boy musician's sword made by Ames that I have ever seen. The second Marine Corps contract for the 1859 Marine musician's sword went to Ames in November 1859 for delivery in 1860. Of the Marine enlisted swords adopted in 1859, the musician's sword is the least understood. Marine musicians did carry a sword similar to the two types specified for Army enlisted men of foot; however, the Marine version has a half counterguard where the Army musician's hilt had none and the Army non-commissioned officer's sword has a counterguard on both sides. Marine musicians’ sword made under the July 1861 contract lack the inner counter guard. This sword is from the1859 Ames contract and has the half counterguard on the reverse side and is a boy's musicians’ sword with a 24-inch blade. Civil War period Marine Corps swords will be void of any Marine Corps or USMC etching, and those with USMC etched on the blade are post-war Musician's swords. The hilt is tight with four dots in it above the blade. The reverse clam shell is half sized and turned down and has some simple chase work. The 24-inch blade is Ames marked and has a floral design running the length of the fuller with a few nicks in the blade. To date, this is the only example I have seen of an Ames 1859 contacted Marine Corps musician's sword. Here is a chance to add a rare Marine sword to your Civil War collection. Rare and the only know example! This is out of my private collection. $1900.00
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U547. HORSTMANN- MODEL - 1875 UNITED STATE MARINE CORPS BOY MUSICIAN'S SWORD: This is a M1875 Marine Musician’s sword. This style sword is different than the Civil War version because it has USMC etched on the blade and the counter-guard is purposely turned down. This sword has a 25-3/4-inch blade that is light-gray in color, has a few small nicks, and Horstmann and U.S.M.C. etched. The hilt is strong with a slight bend in the guard, a nice turned-down claim shell, and displays an even dark muster colored patina. The scabbard is complete with original mounts. The leather is strong with no breaks, but some expected crazing and an opening at the seam 3-inches below the top mount. These are getting harder to find in this condition. This is out of my private collection. $1800.00
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U550. BENT & BUSH CIVIL WAR PERIOD - ROBY BLADE - UNITED STATE MARINE CORPS BOY MUSICIAN'S SWORD: This is a rare Civil War USMC Musician’s sword with a Roby blade, but Roby did not have a contact and some believe this sword was fabricated by Bent & Bush. The sword is 32 inches long with a 26-inch blade and a half counterguard on the reverse side of the guard. Civil War period Marine Corps swords will be void of any Marine Corps or USMC etching, and those with USMC etched on the blade are post-war Musician's swords. The hilt is tight with the original blade washer. The half sized reverse clam shell is turned down and has some simple chase work. The blade is Roby marked and has a floral design running half the length of the fuller and is nick free. Here is a chance to add a rare Marine sword to your Civil War collection. $1900.00
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U567. RARE - CIVIL WAR UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER'S SWORD: During the Civil War the Marine Corps was very small in size compared to the other military services, and as such Marine Corps Civil War swords are rare. I initially thought this was a Bent & Bush made sword; however, a very knowledgeable and educated collector has positively identified this as being made by Ames. Most Marine Corps swords of this period, and following the war, were produced by Horstmann and that company is well known for marking their product. Horstmann had the first contract in early 1859 and the second contract went to Ames in November 1859, and Horstmann got the third contract in 1861. After that, Bent & Bush received all sword contracts. This sword appears to be part of the second contract, of which there were only 36 produced by Ames in 1860. The guard on this sword was made by Weyersberg. However, during a part of 1860 and to the start of the war, Ames incorporated these guards into their hilts. Ames still utilized their own pommels and the heel portion of their knuckle guard to assemble the hilt. The Ames knuckle guard was thicker than the matching section of the Weyersberg guard so the Ames part was filed to match the Weyersberg part. Many Weyersberg M1850 foot officer swords were imported by Horstmann. Once you note the Weyersberg guard (which is easily identifiable) look for the taper of the knuckle bow at the heel. Invariably, when the taper is there it is an Ames product. The Knight head is not found on the ricasso of these swords, and the blades are probably made by Ames. They are found with and without secondary (small) fullers. The swords that Ames assembled of this style are found with unetched blades. The scabbard has two brass fittings, the top mount designed to be carried in a leather frog, and the brass drag. The scabbard black leather has turned into rawhide. I have seen this before with some other Marine swords of this period, and believe this occurred as a result of exposer to salt water while at sea. $2500.00
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U568. RARE - CIVIL WAR UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER’S SWORD: During the Civil War the Marine Corps was very small in size compared to the other military services, and as such Marine Corps Civil War swords are rare. Most Marine Corps swords of this period, and following the war, were produced by Horstmann and that company is well known for marking their product. Horstmann had the first contract in early 1859 and the second contract went to Ames in November 1859, and Horstmann got the third contract in 1861. After that, Bent & Bush received all sword contracts. However, Horstmann was known to continue providing private purchase swords to Marines, and I believe this is one such example. The Marine Corps contract for the Civil War call for unetched blades, and the use of the letters USMC were not added to Marine sword until 1875. This particular sword has an etched blade, but no letters, and no inventory-rack numbers in the hilt. The swords hilt is a quality cast standard M1850 Foot Officers guard with some traced ofgilt, black leather grip with twisted wire. The 27 3/4 inch blade is Horstmann marked and etched, but no lettered making it a Civil War period piece. The scabbard has two brass fittings, the top mount designed to be carried in a leather frog, and the brass drag. $2500.00
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U571. HORSTMANN – MODEL 1875 UNITED STATE MARINE CORPS BOY MUSICIAN'S SWORD: This is a M1875 United States Musician's sword. Many mistakenly think it is Civil War, but it is not. Its design is similar to the M1840 NCO sword, but with the reverse turned-down claim shell, a shorter blade, which it etched U.S.M.C. and maker marked Horstmann. The Marine Corps regulation of 1859 called for no reverse claim shell and no etching, though there are several examples with a 1/4 size reverse claim shell and etching, but these are believe to be Marine Corps boy musician sword. This sword has a 26 1/2 inch blade in excellent condition. The etching is strong and frosty, and there are no nicks or dings.The blade is held tight with the original red leather washer. The hilt is strong, with a nice turned-down claim shell, and displays an even dark muster colored patina. The scabbard is complete with original mounts with only the top screw missing. The leather is strong with no breaks, but some expected crazing. These are getting harder to find in this condition. $1600.00
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U622. BENT & BUSH - CIVIL WAR PERIOD – EMERSON & SILVER BLADE - UNITED STATE MARINE CORPS BOY MUSICIAN'S SWORD: This Civil War period USMC Boy Musician’s sword is extremely rare because it is Emerson & Silver made and 1863 dated and inspected. Most likely the sword was purchased by Bent & Bush to fill the Marine Corps contact. The sword is 31 3/4-inches long with a 25 3/4-inch unetched blade. The blade is Emerson & Silver maker marked and dated 1863 with inspector mark DFM, which matches the guard and scabbard drag. The hilt is tight with no reverse claim shell, which was factory done. The scabbard is steel and retains both mounts and is in great shape even with the dings on the drag. $1900.00
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U677. USMC - M1850 STAFF NCO SWORD, EARLY POST CIVIL WAR: This is an early post-Civil War version of the United State Marine Corps M1850 Staff NCO. The earlier ones have the Horstmann mark in a rectangle shaped box and the Kings head stamped in the blade; this is an early version. The hilt is tight with all original leather and double-strand wire. The brass has a nice even mellow patina. The original blade washer keeps the blade tight. The blade has an even patina, and has the standard etching for a Horstmann blade with USMC in the center panel. The U.S.M.C. etching is a different variant because the period between the letters are centered justified: U•S•M•C•. I suspect this etching pattern is pre-Marine Corps regulation. This is the second example I have seen to date with the periods raised and centered; the first being an officer’s sword with a full-length blade. This one has a shorter 27 3/4-inch SNCO blade. The leather scabbard is a perfict fit to the blade; the leather is complete and both mounts are top pinned; however, the frog stud is missing. This is a rare sword to find. $1900.00
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U697. USMC - M1850 OFFICERS' SWORD, EARLY POST – CIVIL WAR: This is a United State Marine Corps M1850 Officers' sword; post-Civil War. The Marine Corps authorized Marine Officers to carry this sword between the years 1859 – 1875, with the Civil War period swords (1859-1865) matching those carried by Union Army officers. Sometime after the war, Horstmann etched USMC on the blade even though Marine regulation did not authorize it until 1875 when the sword was adopted for NCO’s. Earlier examples have the Horstmann mark in a rectangle shaped box and the Kings head stamped in the blade, those with the square box Horstmann mark and void of the Kings head stamp are post-Civil War. The hilt on this sword is tight with all original leather and double-strand wire with a nice even mellow patina. The original blade washer keeps the 30" blade tight; has the post-Civil War square box Horstmann mark with standard etching for a Horstmann officer blade and USMC in the center panel. The scabbard is original to the sword and has all the brass fittings with ring carry mounts. All the mounts are firmly in place, but the leather is weak above the drag. $1900.00
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U718. USMC - M1850 OFFICERS' SWORD, EARLY POST – CIVIL WAR: This is a United State Marine Corps M1850 Officers' sword - post Civil War. The Marine Corps authorized Marine Officers to carry this sword between the years 1859 – 1875, with the Civil War period swords (1859-1865) matching those carried by Union Army officers. Sometime after the war, Horstmann etched USMC on the blade even though Marine regulation did not authorize it until 1875 when the sword was adopted for NCO’s. Earlier examples have the Horstmann mark in a rectangle shaped box and the Kings head stamped in the blade, those with the square box Horstmann mark and void of the Kings head stamp are post-Civil War. Since the blade washer is gone, the guard is loose but the grip retains 95% original leather and 100% original wire. The hilt has a nice mellow patina. The 31-inch blade is an earlier example with the Horstmann mark in a rectangle shaped box and the Kings head stamped in the blade with standard etching, but USMC in the center panel. The scabbard is original to the sword with all mounts. $1900.00
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U756. CIVIL WAR – UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS SNCO SWORD. Recently, this rare Civil War period United States Marine Corps SNCO sword was discovered and being a retired Marine, I purchased it for my private collection. Ames, Horstmann and Bent & Bush all had contracts for Marine swords during the Civil War and since many of these swords were unmarked it is difficult to identify the maker. Ames produced a large amount of swords during the Civil War and it is easier to compare and identify their product. Horstmann swords are also easy to compare and identify since they were a major supplier of swords. Bent & Bust swords are an unknown since there are no known marked example of their product and they often obtained parts from other supplies to include Horstmann and maybe Ames. So with all this to consider, a side by side comparison is important. This sword has a 28 inch totally un-etched blade with a small fuller; a leather grip with triple wire with twisted wire in the middle; slightly crude cast guard with three rosettes in the design; and a pommel cap with laurel leaves. The leather scabbard is strong and complete with the frog-stud throat mount and drag. This sword is not a Horstmann product, and a produced of either Ames or Bent & Bust. This assessment is based on four facts: the laurel leave pommel cap, triple-wire, rosettes in the guard, and a small fuller, which does not match the know Horstmann examples. The quality of the the pommel cap, grip and guard inidicates Ames, but the blade fuller does not appear to be an Ames product. So, it is a Bent & Bust product? $2500.00
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U791. CIVIL WAR - UNITED STATE MARINE CORPS M1850 SNCO SWORD: This sword came out to the Kevin Hoffmann collection. Kevin was a good friend and had an amazing wealth of knowledge about swords. He will be missed! This is a rare Civil War period United States Marine Corps SNCO sword. The original Marine Corp contract called for the sword to be void of etching, but there are a few know examples that were etched. The etching should be very plain and void of any US or USMC. If it has these lettered it is a post-war sword. The grip is 100% complete with all original wire. The blade is bright and free of any problems. The scabbard is complete with all mounts and has a frog, which I believed of from the post war period. Overall, a rare and hard to find sword. $2250.00
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U804. CIVIL WAR USMC (M1840 NCO) ADULT MUSICIAN'S SWORD:This is an early Civil War, wide blade United States Marine Corps (M1840 NCO) Adult Musician's sword. It was carried by Marine Corps Adult Musician's such as Drum Majors. The small turned-down reverse clam shell counter guard identifies this as an early (M1840 NCO) Male Muscians sword from 1840-1850. Also, the anchor on the etched blade, which is rare, clearly identified this to the Marine Corps. An etched blade may indicate a private purchase since the only other known example is unetched. There are a few sword contact nicks near the top of the blade. The scabbard is complete with both brass mounts and very strong. Currently, the other known example for sale is out of the Kevin Hoffman collection and identified to an unknown Marine, which makes it doubly rare. The Horse Soldier in Gettysburg has it listed for $5000. The sword here is just as rare and though not identified, it is extra unique with the etched blade. As the second known example, it is an extremely scarce sword. $2900.00
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U837. RARE (1 of 40 MADE) UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS – PRE-CIVIL WAR (M1840 NCO) ADULT MUSICIAN'S SWORD: This is an extremely rare sword, a United States Marine Corps Pre-Civil War (M1840 NCO) Adult Muscians sword. The Marine Corps authorized the Standard (M1840 NCO) sword with a reverse turn-down claim shell for carry by Adult Musicians; and since the Marine Corps supply depot was located in Philadelphia, Horstmannwas the primary supplier. The sword is a Horstmann marked Model 1840 NCO with the reverse clam shell cast in the downward position, and is 37 1/2 inches long with 31 1/2 x1 1/8 wide blade. The brass hilt is tight with an even patina . The black leather scabbard is complete with all original brassand fits perfectly to the blade. Prior to 1869, Horstmann had two contracts with the Marine Corp for musician swords: one in 1859 for 40 swords. These went to the Band, but in June 1861 the Commandant altered the pattern by having the inner counterguard removed, and it is believed Horstmann produced another 40 swords with no inner guards. This sword is in amazing condition with a bright blade, original blue felt blade washer, and original complete scabbard. These are extremely rare to find in this condition. $3000.00
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U870. POST CIVIL WAR - USMC - M1850 STAFF NCO SWORD: This is a post-Civil War Marine Corp M1850 Staff NCO sword complete with scabbard. It is a Civil War period blade which has had its etching modified to read U.S.M.C and placed a later period scabbard. The scabbard is leather covered metal, which places it just after the war. The guard is numbered 260 and the scabbard serial number No. 88 with number 86 on the mounts; the guard and pommel cap are tight; the grip and wire are original with 100% of the black leather and twisted wire, and the original blade washer has kept the 31 7/8" blade tight. The blade is in mint condition with 100% original frosting, and W.H. Horstmann marked in a rectangular box. The scabbard is the SNCO design with the frog stud. Often, these scabbards did not hold up well and the leather is falling off or missing. This one retains 100% of the leather and the front is perfect with the back seam tight. This is one of the best examples I have seen and it is from of my private collection. $2600.00
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G.A.R. SWORD – CIVIL WAR MARINE CORPS OFFICER
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U947. RARE – UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS CIVIL WAR (M1840 NCO) ADULT MUSICIAN'S SWORD: This is a rare example of a United States Marine Corps Civil War (M1840 NCO) Adult Muscians sword. The Marine Corps authorized the Standard (M1840 NCO) sword with a reverse turn-down claim shell for carry by Adult Musicians and the shorter version for Boy Musicians. This sword is in amazing condition with a bright blade, original leather blade washer, and a complete original scabbard. The brass hilt andn mouuts have great patina. The blade is unmarked, but most likely made by Horstmann. $2200.00
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U955. USMC - M1850 STAFF NCO SWORD - POST CIVIL WAR: This is a post-Civil War (1870’s) version of the United State Marine Corps M1850 Staff NCO. The hilt is tight with all original leather and double-strand wire. The brass has a nice even mellow brown patina. The original blade washer keeps the blade tight. The blade has an even patina, and has the standard etching for a Horstmann blade with USMC in the center panel. The blade is 27 3/4-inch long. $1300.00
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U956. CIVIL WAR PERIOD - ROBY BLADE – BENT & BUSH - USMC - UNITED STATE MARINE CORPS BOY MUSICIAN'S SWORD: This is a rare Civil War USMC Musician’s sword with a Roby blade, but Roby did not have a contact and some believe this sword was fabricated by Bent & Bush. The sword is 31 1/2 inches long with a 25 3/4-inch blade and a half counterguard on the reverse side of the guard. Civil War period Marine Corps swords will be void of any Marine Corps or USMC etching, and those sword with USMC etched on the blade are post-war Musician's swords. The hilt is tight with the original blade washer. The half sized reverse clam shell is turned down and has some simple chase work. The forward clam shell is slightly bent, and the leather scabbard has a repair. The blade is Roby marked and has a floral design running half the length of the fuller and is nick free. Here is a chance to add a rare Marine sword to your Civil War collection. $1900.00
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U969. BENT & BUSH CIVILWAR PERIOD - HORSTMANN BLADE - UNITED STATE MARINE CORPS ADULT MUSICIAN'S SWORD: This is a rare Civil War USMC Adult Musician’s sword with a Horstmann blade, but is believed to have been fabricated by Bent & Bush. The sword is 36 inches long with a 29-inch blade and a half counterguard on the reverse side of the guard. Civil War period Marine Corps swords will be void of any Marine Corps or USMC etching, and those sword with USMC etched on the blade are post-war Musician's swords. The hilt is tight with the original blade washer. The half sized reverse clam shell is turned down and has some simple chase work. The forward clam shell is slightly bent, and the leather scabbard is original and complete. The blade is HORSTMANN marked behind the half claim shell and is difficult to read, but the obverse is stamped PHILADELPHIA. The blade has a floral design running half the length of the fuller and is nick free. Here is a chance to add a rare Marine sword to your Civil War collection. $1900.00
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U997. BENT & BUSH - CIVILWAR PERIOD UNITED STATE MARINE CORPS ADULT MUSICIAN'S SWORD: This is a rare Civil War USMC Adult Musician’s sword believed to have been fabricated by Bent & Bush. The sword is 35 inches long with a 29 1/2-inch blade and a half counterguard on the reverse side of the guard. Civil War period Marine Corps swords will be void of any Marine Corps or USMC etching, and those sword with USMC etched on the blade are post-war Musician's swords. The hilt is tight with the original blade washer. The half sized reverse clam shell is turned down and has some simple chase work, and the leather scabbard is original and complete. The blade is not marked behind the half claim shell, but the obverse is stamped PHILADELPHIA. The blade has a floral design running half the length of the fuller and is nick free. Here is a chance to add a rare Marine sword to your Civil War collection. $1900.00
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A124. HORSTMANN - MODEL 1875 - UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS MUSICIAN'S SWORD: This is a M1875 Marine Musician’s sword. This style sword is different than the Civil War version because it has USMC etched on the blade and the counter-guard is purposely turned down. This sword has a 25-3/4-inch blade that is light-gray in color and Horstmann and U.S.M.C. etched. The hilt is strong with a nice turned-down claim shell, and displays an even dark muster colored patina. The scabbard is complete with original mounts. The leather is strong with no breaks. These are getting harder to find in this condition. This is out of my private collection. $1600.00
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U S M C
John J Simon
A217. 1 of 40 MADE - UNITED STATE MARINE CORPS CIVIL WAR MODEL 1840 NCO SWORD - IDENTIFIED TO A POST WAR MARINE PRIVATE: Currently, there is ongoing research into the swords carried by Marines during both the Civil War and Post Civil War period, and new facts are being discovered. This sword was in Kevin Hoffman’s private collection of Marine Corps swords and was acquired from the Horse Soldier in Gettysburg. The sword is a Horstmann marked Model 1840 NCO with the reverse clam shell cast in the downward position, and is 37 1/2 inches long with 31 1/2 x1 1/8 wide blade. The brass hilt is tight with even patina and is marked twice with the assembly number 8. The black leather scabbard is complete with all original brass and fits perfectly to the blade. Prior to 1869, Horstmann had two contracts with the Marine Corp for musician swords: one in 1859 for 40 swords. These went to the Band, but in June 1861 the Commandant altered the pattern by having the inner counterguard removed, and it is believed Horstmann produced another 40 swords with no inner guards. Engraved on the front claim shell is U S M C above the name John J Simon. John Simon began his military career during the Civil War as a Private, promoted to Corporal, and later reduced to the rank of Private while serving in the 39th New York Infantry. At the age of 20, he enlisted on 12/21/1863 at New York City, NY as a Private and Mustered Out on 7/1/1865 at Alexandria, VA. He apparently headed west and would enlist in the Marine Corps as a Private in November of 1865 and remained in the Corps until September of 1868. During his service in the Marine Corps, he was stationed at Mare Island, California, and served on board the USS Suwanee. Given Private Simon's post-war enlistment in the Marine Corps occurred in California ending in 1868, it is doubtful the sword could have gotten to the state by anything other than the Marine Corps. This raises the possibility that the sword was one of the 40 Horstmann provided in 1859. Simon's sword does fit the pattern associated with those swords made under the Horstmann's 1859 contract and is unlikely a post war sword since this configuration no longer was in production. Why Simon had this sword is unknown because he was not a musician and only served as a private. Included with the sword is a historical binder documenting Simon’s Army and Marine Corps history.$6000.00
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A237. CIVIL WAR – UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS STAFF NCO SWORD: During the Civil War, Marine Corps Staff NCOs carried the Model 1850 Foot Officer sword that had a shorter blade and a scabbard designed with a top frog-carry mount. By regulation, the Marine Corps would issue this sword; however, there are several known examples that were obviously private purchased. This is one of those swords and is the best-known specimen! The hilt is tight with 100% gold wash on the guard, and a little wear on the pommel cap, and 100% shark skin grip and twisted wire. The original buff white leather blade washer holds the 28-inch blade tight. The blade has frosty etching and from its style, the maker can be identified as Roby. The etching on this sword is spectacular! On one side is a Civil War camp scene and the other three Ships of the Line. As with the other known Civil War period Marine Corps SNCOs swords, no US or USMC appears on the blade. The decisive factor in the Marine Corps identification is the scabbard, which is black leather with a frog-carry top mount, brass drag and the perfect length to the sword blade. The Model 1850 Foot Officer sword was carried by both Army and Marine Officers and it would have a blade 30 1/2 inches or longer with US etched in the center panel and a double ring carry scabbard. Naval Officers carried the Model 1852 Naval Officer sword, but never the M1850 Foot Officer sword. This is an amazing Civil War Marine SNCO sword! Shipping & Insurance included. $4500.00
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The following Marine Corps swords were sold, but the information is provided for educational purposes.
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M1821 SNCO SWORDS – UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS VARIANT: This sword was recently discovered and is a M1821 sword which may be a private purchased United States Marine Corps SNCO variant. The hilt is the M1821 officer design compete with the original leather grip and wire, and a 29 3/4-inch by 1 1/8-inch blade retailer marked Horstman with no other marks. This makes it an American made blade, and the blade is USMC etched. This style sword is similar to Item U797 with the style scabbard unique to the Marine Corps and not standard for the Army. The blade shows wear, but the scabbard is in great condition.
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PRE-CIVIL WAR UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS SWORD
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UNITED STATED MARINE CORPS EAGLE- HEAD, NCO SWORD 1840-1850. This is an extremely rare United States Marine Corps eagle-head NCO sword; it dates to the late 1840’s thru the 1850’s. The hilt, which is Horstmann marked, is tight, and the 31-inch blade no longer has the original blue and gold finish, but is etched and has an even brown patina. Much of the original leather grip is present, but worn at high points making the underlying cord visible, and the wire is all original. This is a difficult sword to locate!
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UNITED STATED MARINE CORPS EAGLE- HEAD, ADULT MUSICIAN SWORD 1840-1850. This United States Marine Corps eagle-head adult musician sword is extremely rare, especially with the original scabbard. It dates to the late 1840’s thru the 1850’s. The hilt, which is Horstmann marked, is tight and the 27 1/4-inch blade has nearly 100% original blue and gold finish with period sharpening near the top of the blade. The scabbard is in near-mint condition with both mounts and no issues at all. The sword fits perfectly in the scabbard and has the correct 1/4 gap at the top be it and the guard. This was done so the frog carry device would properly fit. This is one of the finest examples of an early Marine Corps Eagle-Head adult musician sword.
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CIVIL WAR - RARE AMES MADE, HORSTMANN RETAILED - UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER'S SWORD: During the Civil War, the Marine Corps was very small in size compared to the other military services, and as such Marine Corps Civil War swords are rare. Most Marine Corps swords of this period, and following the war, were produced or retailed by Horstmann. Horstmann had the first contract in early 1859 and the second contract went to Ames in November 1859, and Horstmann got the third contract in 1861. After that, Bent & Bush received all sword contracts. Horstmann was a fabricator, and often purchased sword parts from other makers such as Ames. This sword was made by Ames, but marked and retailed by Horstmann. The guard was made by Weyersberg. However, during part of 1860 and to the start of the war, Ames incorporated these guards into their hilts. Ames still utilized their own pommels and the heel portion of their knuckle guard to assemble the hilt. The Ames knuckle guard was thicker than the matching section of the Weyersberg guard so the Ames part was filed to match the Weyersberg part. Many Weyersberg M1850 foot officer swords were imported by Horstmann. Once you note the Weyersberg guard (which is easily identifiable) look for the taper of the knuckle bow at the heel. Invariably, when the taper is there it is an Ames product. The Knight head is not found on the ricasso of these swords, and the blades are probably made by Ames. They are found with and without secondary (small) fullers. The swords that Ames assembled of this style are found with unetched blades; however, Horstmann etched this blade with their retailer marks and used a simple plain etch pattern with no US or USMC. This is a key indicator of being Civil War period. The scabbard has two brass fittings, the top mount designed to be carried in a leather frog, and the brass drag. The scabbard body is the heavier leather style made by Ames.
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Sword belonged to Lt. James B. Breese - USMC. He started in the Army, but in 1864 was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Marine Corps and remained on active duty until 1879. The sword is now in a private collection in the state of Illinois from where the Lieuteant originated. It is a standard M1850 Foot Officers sword with “US” etching, and Lt Breese’s name etched on the throat piece.
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USMC - M1850 OFFICERS' SWORD: This is a United State Marine Corps M1850 Officers' sword – early version. The Marine Corps authorized Marine Officers to carry this sword between the years 1859 - 1875. The earlier ones have the Horstmann mark in a rectangle shaped box and the Kings head stamped in the blade. This is an early version. The hilt is tight with all original leather and double-strand wire. The brass has a nice even mellow patina. The original blade washer keeps the blade tight. The blade has an even patina, and has the standard etching for a Horstmann officer blade with USMC in the center panel. The U.S.M.C. etching is a different variant because the period between the letters are centered justified: U•S•M•C•, this is the only example I have seen to date with the periods raised. The scabbard is original to the sword and has all the brass fittings, with the unique ring mounts. All the mounts are firmly in place. This is a rare sword to find.
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POST CIVIL WAR - USMC - M1850 OFFICERS' SWORD: This is a United State Marine Corps M1850 Officers' sword - post Civil War. The Marine Corps authorized Marine Officers and SNCOs to carry this sword between the years 1859 – 1875, and NCOs carried one with a short blade. Earlier Marine sword blades with a Horstmann mark in a rectangle shaped box and a Kings head stamp are Civil War period. Those with a square box Horstmann mark void of the Kings head stamp are post-Civil War, which is what this one its. The hilt is tight with all original leather and double-strand wire. The brass has a nice even mellow patina. The original blade washer keeps the 32 3/4" blade tight. The blade has an even gray patina and has the standard etching for a Horstmann officer blade, but this has USMC in the center panel. There is a little pitting near the tip, though it is not bad. There is no scabbard with this sword, but if it had one it would the one with ring mounts.
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USMC - M1850 OFFICERS' SWORD, POST - CIVILWAR: This is a United State Marine Corps M1850 Officers' sword – early post-Civil War. The Marine Corps authorized Marine Officers to carry this sword between the years 1859 - 1875. The earlier one I have found have the Horstmann mark in a rectangle shaped box and the Kings head stamped in the blade. I believe those with the square box Horstmann mark and void of the Kings head stamp are post-Civil War; however, it the Kings head is present it is an earlier version most likely 1865-1869. This is an early version. The hilt is tight with all original leather and double-strand wire. The brass has a nice even mellow patina. The original blade washer keeps the 30" blade tight. The blade has an even patina, and has the standard etching for a Horstmann officer blade, but this has USMC in the center panel. The scabbard is original to the sword and has all the brass fittings. All the mounts are firmly in place. This is a rare sword to find.
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RARE - USMC – CIVIL WAR MUSICIAN'S SWORD: I have been searching for this sword for over 40 years and was excited when I found it at the recent Gettysburg Civil War sword. It is an extremely rare example of a Civil War Marine Corps Musician's sword with no reverse claim shell and a total unetched blade. The Marine Corps regulation of 1859 called for no reverse claim shell and no etching for the musician sword. Horstmann, Ames, Bent & Bush all had contracts for Civil War Marine swords, and there is a known Roby example. I believe this one may be an Ames example because the guard has the inspector mark "JH"; thought the blade is void of a marker mark. On close examination, you can tell the reverse claim shell was not just cut off, but factory configured to conform to the desires of the Marine Corps. You can run your finger over it and feel a smooth surface. The 25 inch blade is totally unetched; it has a dark gray patina, and has several small nicks. The scabbard fits the scabbard, has both mounts and is in outstanding condition.
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