Here is a Model 1850 Marine Officer’s brass-hilted sword with its leather scabbard. Blade likely manufactured by the firm of Gerbruder Weyersberg of Solingen, Prussia (now Germany) and assembled by importer / assembler William H. Horstmann and Sons of Philadelphia.  Horstmann, a well-known sword retailer and importer, contracted with the Prussian firm for most of Horstmann’s better, high quality swords. Horstmann imported and assembled the blades with grips and then applied his blade address on the ricasso.

Sword has a single-edged, slightly curved, engraved blade that measures 28¼” long with a 22” long stopped fuller and 13” narrow fuller. Both flats of the blade exhibit intricately acid-etched floral decorations along with military motifs. All etchings strong and sharp with good detail and minimal wear.  Manufacturer’s mark, “W H / HORSTMANN / & SONS / PHILADELPHIA” is read in four lines at the obverse ricasso. Starting at the blade’s obverse ricasso is a foliate design that incorporates a military motif of flags, lances, a spreadwinged eagle, and shield device.  Reverse blade has the “U.S.M.C.” markings on blade center with similar engravings. Ricasso is plain. Rounded blade back exhibits the etching “IRON PROOF”. Blade exhibits a pleasing mottled light gray coloring overall with light scattered pinprick pitting.

The cast brass hilt is typical of a foot officer’s sword and displays an open worked floral guard with a single band integrated into the knucklebow. Leather grips are aged and dry with light scuffing and cracking. Grips secured with double-twisted brass wire brass wire, tight and strong. Quillon and hilt face exhibit plain casting. Has original leather washer. Pommel shows a domed cap with an oak leaf design along the edges. All brass has acquired a dark bronze patina overall. The original leather scabbard is in good condition complete with two, plain brass bands and brass drag.  Upper and lower band are lose on the body.  Sword mounts are tight and secure a 1” diameter brass ring. Scabbard body missing two screws. A nice M1850 USMC foot officer’s sword assemble by Horstmann.

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