Sold for $600

Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium

Lot Description

Marine Corps Musician's Sword Model 1875 Configuration

26" blade length. 33" overall with scabbard and hilt. Single edge straight spearpoint blade with fullers running 23.5" along the blade starting 0.5" from the ricasso and mounting a cast brass hilt with turned down counterguards. Marine Corps NCO sword featuring a brass hilt with clamshell guard, knuckle bow, and a cast brass handle on a peened tang. Patterned after the US Army Model 1840 NCO sword, the Marine Corps Musicians' Swords were initially manufactured without the inner counterguard. Following the Civil War, the pattern was updated with the inclusion of turned down counterguards with the inner piece turned down to run parallel to the blade. The ricasso shows an etched maker mark reading HORSTMANN/PHILADELPHIA. The outer guard has been stamped with the inventory number 21, with a matching mark appearing on one side of the drag. The left blade features an etched banner enclosing U.S.M.C., a marking believed to have been authorized for Marine Corps swords beginning with uniform regulation changes in 1875. The leather scabbard features brass mountings and is side stitched along the inside face.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Condition Report

Fine. Blade is Bright with one nick to the edge and light pitting forming at the tip. A mottled gray patina is forming in places while all brass pieces show a light tarnish. The hilt has scattered light dings and mars with some smoothing of the texture on the handle. The drag and locket show a pattern of light dents and dings. The leather of the scabbard is cracked overall with some abrasions and wastage along the outer edges. Scabbard stitching has broken in a 1" long section approximately 3" up from the drag.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Hindman staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Hindman website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Hindman.

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