USMC Musicians Sword

[Richard E. Schenk]

I just purchased what I believe to be a USMC musician's sword. In 1859, the Marine Corps made significant changes to its uniform regulations, including changing the patterns of its officer, sergeants' and musicians' swords. The regulation's text said enlisted swords were to be "Same as U.S. Infantry" which would lead one to expect the Marine musicians would be using the Army M1940 musicians' sword. Review of Marine Quartermaster Division (QMD) correspondence in the National Archives, however, shows it was actually the M1840 NCO sword that the Marines adopted for use by its musicians. in 1859 Horstmann had the contract to supply swords to the Marine Corps, so it was their version of the M1840 NCO sword which was adopted. In June of 1861 the QMD asked Horstmann to remove the rear counterguard which they did, as did the firm of Bent and Bush which received the contract to provide swords in 1862 and kept it through the CW and beyond. Horstmann regained the contract in 1869 and kept it through most of the 19th century. For some reason they seem to have reverted to their original pattern for the M1840 NCO sword with their unique turned down rear counterguard.


Here is my new sword:

Why do I think this is a Marine sword? The sword itself is Identical to the M1840 NCO swords Horstmann provided to the Army and militia elements. Army NCOs, however, normally wore their swords with black frogs, whereas Marine musicians usually wore their swords with white frogs. When I saw this sword listed in a recent auction, I was afraid the frog was a more recent addition, but now that I've had the chance to examine it in person, I believe it is of an age with the sword and probably original to it. Note the indentation and slight discoloration to the surface of the frog where it met with the rear counterguard. I believe this strongly suggests this is a Marine-used sword. Any thoughts?

 

[UCVRelics]

Very Nice. Are there any makers marks or inspectors marks on this one?

 

[Richard E. Schenk]

The obverse ricasso is stamped with the king's head mark of the Solingen sword maker Weyersberg from which Horstmann procured a good percentage of his blades.

The reverse ricasso is stamped "HORSTMANN/& SONS/PHILADELPHIA":

I've never seen one of these Horstmann M1840/1859s with inspectors marks.

 

[UCVRelics]

Here is a GREAT article thats cover these swords all the way thru the transition.

 

[Richard E. Schenk]

You are right, Charlie's ASAC article was the first work seriously addressing USMC swords. It, together with his later 2009 book, coauthored with David Sullivan, "The Civil War Uniforms of the United States of America", remain the standard reference on Marine swords. Since their publication new information has come to light and additional research has been done, especially on post-1875 swords which Charlie didn't really address in his works.

I am currently actively working with Charlie to resolve issues and fill in gaps in our knowledge of the new pattern USMC musicians' sword first adopted in 1859. I hope to document the results of our research in a magazine article in the not too distant future.

 

[UCVRelics]

Can't wait to read it.

 

[JOHN42768]

Very nice

 

[Scooter_B]

I just purchased what I believe to be a USMC musician's sword. In 1859, the Marine Corps made significant changes to its uniform regulations, including changing the patterns of its officer, sergeants' and musicians' swords. The regulation's text said enlisted swords were to be "Same as U.S. Infantry" which would lead one to expect the Marine musicians would be using the Army M1940 musicians' sword. Review of Marine Quartermaster Division (QMD) correspondence in the National Archives, however, shows it was actually the M1840 NCO sword that the Marines adopted for use by its musicians. in 1859 Horstmann had the contract to supply swords to the Marine Corps, so it was their version of the M1840 NCO sword which was adopted. In June of 1861 the QMD asked Horstmann to remove the rear counterguard which they did, as did the firm of Bent and Bush which received the contract to provide swords in 1862 and kept it through the CW and beyond. Horstmann regained the contract in 1869 and kept it through most of the 19th century. For some reason they seem to have reverted to their original pattern for the M1840 NCO sword with their unique turned down rear counterguard.


Here is my new sword:
View attachment 312383
View attachment 312384

Why do I think this is a Marine sword? The sword itself is Identical to the M1840 NCO swords Horstmann provided to the Army and militia elements. Army NCOs, however, normally wore their swords with black frogs, whereas Marine musicians usually wore their swords with white frogs. When I saw this sword listed in a recent auction, I was afraid the frog was a more recent addition, but now that I've had the chance to examine it in person, I believe it is of an age with the sword and probably original to it. Note the indentation and slight discoloration to the surface of the frog where it met with the rear counterguard. I believe this strongly suggests this is a Marine-used sword. Any thoughts?

Nice and interesting. Thanks for posting.

 

[Lubliner]

I am amazed at the depth of research already exhibited. Thanks for the posting, and the inspiration!
Lubliner.