Original Item: Only One Available. This is an very nice example of a U.S. Civil War issue Private Purchase United States Marine Corps Model 1840 Non-Commissioned Officer's sword, retailed by Horstmann of Philadelphia. This example is missing its scabbard, and the blade has as a result developed a very dark color. This model is associated with the Marine Corps due to its upturned guard.

The sword measures 37 ⅞" overall, and has an all-brass hilt, with a "double scallop" cross guard with one side downturned, and a "D" hand guard enclosing the knurled  hand grip. This sword features the distinct Horstmann NCO sword turned down counter guard. The M1840 NCO sword was the Marine Corps regulation until the change in 1859, which called for Marine Corp NCO's to use a sword patterned after the 1850 Foot Officer Sword. We estimate that this sword was made in the 1850s, just prior to the Civil War.

The 31 3/8" straight blade's ricasso is marked on one side with the Horstmann company marking -

HORSTMANN
& SONS

This however cannot be photographed due to the shell guard being in the way. It is marked on the other side of the blade with:

PHILADELPHIA

This sword is in excellent condition, with the expected wear from age, and the heavy blade wear . The blade still retains almost all of its original polished bright steel finish. There is just a bit of staining and runner wear near the tip of the blade. The hilt is in great shape, and still has much gilding present on the blade side of the cross guard.

This is an absolutely genuine U.S. Civil War issue M1840 USMC NCO sword, offered in great condition. Ready to display!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 31 3/8”
Blade style: Single Edged Straight with Fuller
Overall length: 37 1/2”
Handguard: 4 1/2”W x 6”L