[MARINES] Very Rare, USMC M1826 Sword

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Day 2: Early & Historic Americana

By Fleischer's Auctions

Oct 10, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-10-10 09:00:00 2025-10-10 09:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Day 2: Early & Historic Americana https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/fleischers-auctions/day-2-early-historic-americana-19250
Day one of Fleischer's 2025 Fall Premier auction includes early American artifacts, documents, signatures, ephemera, and weaponry. Rare material relating to African American history is featured, as well as fine examples of antique photography. Fleischer's Auctions info@fleischersauctions.com

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• Lot Description

  United States Marine Corps Model 1826 officer’s sword. Philadelphia, ca. 1830s–40s.

   

  Single-edged, spear-point blade measuring 31 1/2 in., with an unstopped fuller that divides into two branches approximately 11 1/2 in. from the tip. Overall length 37 1/2 in. The blade is acid-etched on the obverse with a dense program of botanical and military motifs, including a stand of flags and arms surmounted by a cannon, knight’s helmet, and pair of drums. The reverse bears the inscription “[Ornamental] / Sw[or]d / Mounter / Philada” within a field of foliage, while a leafy vine extends along the spine. The hilt comprises a brass guard with double lancets, symmetrical quillons ending in egg-shaped finials, and a two-piece ivory grip bound by an embossed brass strap, further secured with decorative brass rivet caps and fitted with a washer for the sword knot. Accompanied by its brass scabbard with a raised center line, two suspension rings, and frog stud.

   

  The inscription “Ornamental Sword Mounter” likely identifies this piece with the Philadelphia workshop of Frederick William Widmann (d. 1848), who appears in the 1825 city directory under that precise title and is the only known sword mounter of the period to use such terminology. The decorative etching and structural features suggest production in the 1830s or 40s.

   

  The Model 1826 officer’s sword—popularly known as the Marine “Mameluke”—traces its lineage to a blade presented to First Lieutenant Presley O’Bannon by Hamet Caramanli, claimant to the throne of Tripoli, in recognition of the Marines’ role in the Battle of Derna (1805). Officially adopted in 1826, the earliest American-made examples displayed broader, more curved blades with engraved decoration and straighter grips, paired with plainer scabbards. Phased out in 1859, the Mameluke pattern was reintroduced in 1875 and continues as the ceremonial sidearm of Marine officers today. This Philadelphia-made example embodies both the refinement of Widmann’s craftsmanship and the enduring symbolic identity of the Corps.

   

  Condition: blade with abrasion affecting the legibility of portions of the etched text; two fine fractures visible in the ivory grip; brass guard with minor wear; squared-off scabbard open at drag.

   

  Note: This lot cannot be packaged and shipped in-house. Successful bidders winning items marked as being packaged and shipped by a third-party service are responsible for paying the third party directly. We are happy to offer complimentary drop-off service to local third-party packing/shipping companies in Columbus, Ohio.

   

  [Swords, Knives, Bowie Knives, Knife, Blades] [Marines]

  Condition

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  Prospective bidders are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of items containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory, and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

• Shipping Info

  • SHIPPING PROTOCOL AND INSURANCE

    All packages valued at over $250 are shipped with a signature required upon delivery. All packages handled and shipped in-house by Fleischer’s Auctions are not insured unless insurance is requested. Successful bidders who would like their packages insured are responsible for notifying us that this is the case and are responsible for paying the cost of insurance

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