The sword prescribed in 1859 for Marine officers was the Army Model 1850 foot officer’s sword. By the 1850’s, the Marine Corps was the only service whose officers were still carrying a sword designed in the 1820’s as their regulation model. In spite of the distinctiveness of the Mameluke, it had not yet achieved the status of icon, and a board of officers meeting in early 1859 chose to replace it with the Army Model 1859 foot officer’s sword. The Marine Corps prescribed the sword for all officers regardless of rank. The only way to ascertain Marine use is if by chance the Marine Officer had his sword engraved with his name and service as was done extensively with this swordl

The sword is marked on the top of the guard, “Captain John L. Broome, US Marine Corps / US Flag Ship Hartford 1862 & 1863”. The reverse of the top mount/throat is engraved:

Charleston Dec 20^th, 1860

Boston Apl 5^th, 1861

Fort Pickens Apl 17^th, 1861

Forts Jackson & Ft. Philip APL 24^th 1862

New Orleans Apl 26^th 1862

The obverse side of the middle mount:

New Orleans

Apl. 29^th, 1862

Vicksburg July 15^th / 62

Baton Rouge

June 1862

The revere side of the top mount / throat

Vicksburg June 28^th 1862

Ram Arkansas July 15, 1862

Donaldsonville

Aug 9^th 1862

Port Hudson Mch 14, 1862

Grand Gulf Mch 19, 1862

Warrenton Mch 25, 1863

The reverse side of the middle mount:

Warrenton Mch 28^th 1863

Grand Gulf Mch 31^st 1863

Port Hudson May 24, 1863

The sword has a nice condition sharkskin covered grip with twisted brass & silver wire – a few small strands loose. The black leather scabbard is in VF condition. The brass hilt is just a little loose – easily repaired. The blade is decorated with the typical etchings of scroll designs, a large “US” on the reverse, an eagle and riband with “E Pluribus Unum” on the obverse. The ricasso is marked “W. H. HORSTMANN & SONS / PHILADELPHIA” with a stamped knights head below. The etchings and blade are both in very nice condition.

John Lloyd Broome (1824 in New York City – 1898 in Binghamton, Broome County, New York) was an officer in the United States Marine Corps during the American Civil War. He was the grandson of John Broome, Lieutenant Governor of New York. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps on January 12, 1848. His 40 years of service included action at Veracruz, Alvarado, and Laguna del Carmen, Mexico, (1848).

He was promoted to First Lieutenant on September 28, 1857 and to captain on July 26, 1861 - shortly after the outbreak of the American Civil War. During the Civil War he served as senior Marine officer of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron, he played a prominent part in the capture of New Orleans and all engagements of the Squadron on the Mississippi River. He was twice wounded; severely, at the second Battle of Vicksburg.

He received the first of two brevets (honorary promotions) to major on April 24, 1862, for gallant and meritorious services. He second brevet, to lieutenant colonel, on March 14, 1864, was for gallant and meritorious services at the second Battle of Vicksburg to date from 15 July, 1863. He was promoted to major on December 8, 1864.

After the war, the became an Original Companion of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel on March 16, 1879. Lieutenant Colonel Broome retired from the Marine Corps on March 8, 1888. In 1890 he became a Veteran Member of the Aztec Club of 1847. He died on April 12, 1898 at Binghamton, where he was buried.

Included with the sword are a few additional items which belonged to Col. Broome:

1.  A set of shoulder knots with Marine Corps buttons and silver bullion. Colonel’s eagles pinned to the end sections.

2.  An Aztec Club Medal with “George C. Broome, ESQ” engraved on the edge. George was John’s brother. The ribbon portion is nearly all gone.

3.  Medal “Presented by the City of Brooklyn to One of its Veterans 1866”. Very fine condition.

4. A new photo of an oil painting of Broome  holding this model sword, in a 10”x12” frame.

A sword worthy of the finest collection. Ex-Kevin Hoffman Collection.  [ss]

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