WWII USMC Officer's (Mameluke) Sword -
A Mameluke sword is a cross-hilted, curved, scimitar-like sword historically derived from sabres used by Mamluk warriors of Ottoman Egypt from whom the sword derives its name. It is related to the shamshir, which had its origins in Persia from where the style migrated to India, Egypt and North Africa and the Turkish kilij. It was adopted in the 19th century by several Western militaries, including the French Army, British Army and the United States Marine Corps.
Marine Corps history states that a sword of this type was presented to Marine First Lieutenant Presley O'Bannon by the Ottoman Empire viceroy, Prince Hamet, on December 8, 1804. The sword became a famed part of USMC
history in the battle of Tripoli.
The item featured here is a US marine Corps sword. As issued during WWII.
A leather knot is tied around the sword. This practice dates back from previous wars. It was
done as a means to enhance the appearance of the sword. Other countries such as Germany
employed this practice with their dress edge weapons.
This page is a recognition and identification guide for WWII US edge weapons. Multiple
detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined
points that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my WWII knife or sword worth?".
A price guide is included here to address this question. The value of the edge weapons
is reviewed over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth
of US militaria in the collector's market is illustrated.
This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of
MilitaryItems.com,
a company dedicated to the preservation of military history and to providing quality military
antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.
|
|
The blade is beautifully done. The etching of the blade is of very high quality. The throat are
bears the manufacturer's markings. It is hard to read because part of the crossguard of the sword
covers it.
This is a German made edge weapon. Germany manufactured edge weapons for the armed forces of many
nations. In this particular example the word 'Germany" is engraved on the spine near the throat
of the blade.
One side of the blade reads "United States Marine Corps". The other side has the name of the soldier
etched into the blade.
One of the aspects that make this sword unique is how well it is marked. The name of the soldier is
etched into the blade and engraved on the spine of the blade. His serial number is also included.
The original dog tags of the owner are also shown here.
The sword was issued with a black leather carrying case. This would protect the sword during transit.
|
This US edge weapon is currently being
reproduced.
It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because
the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with
the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this edge weapon.
Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of
the collectible.
If you have an interest is seeing other WWII edge weapons, you can do so by
going to our
WWII US Edge Weapons
identification guide. Where we cover Army, Navy, Army Air Force and other organizations.
|