Sabers of the Marine Corps

or are they actually real sabers?

The U.S. Marines nco sword has seen no regular war use for more than a century. While well made sabres from WKC and Ames are just as stout as 19th century swords, even that century saw little use aside from drilling, parade and dress (ceremonial). As they were not typically private purchase items, what is left are the modern anachronistic use of them. There are occasional "older" swords on the antique circuit and some are quite nice and well preserved for about what a brand new one would.

A first start for an interested person might be to run a general internet search for the history, use and availability. One would soon find not just other threads ike this one but come up with Windlass as well as folk like Marlowe White that distribute swords and uniforms. The primary American source of new swords is likely due to their availability.

www.militarysabers.com/

They sell specifically WKC swords

www.wkc-solingen.de/newshop/USmarinencodetail.html

More homework would be to read the WKC site, stem to stern. The main line is tempered stainless and perfectly suitable for the intended purpose. WKC recently (in the grand scheme of things) absorbed a lot of the tooling left over from the closing of Wilkinson Swords.

A very real alternative and availability for stainless or plain steel would be the Ames Sword Company. Look through their left hand links. (Jeeze, more homework, huh?)

www.amessword.com/

Bear in mind that they outsource the blades from India but supposedly do their own castings in house and assemble the swords there.

With that in mind, one could visit a site such as www.legendaryarms.com or other importer handling a large selection of both present and past models. These are India made, some have determined also distributed through Windlass.

Look to the history of the U.S.M.C nco swords and one will find that it is and was virtually the same as the American 1850 army foot officer sword with some minor distinctions.

To me, that would lead me back to widely available swords from the 19th century that more or less fit the bill in profile. They are (to me) immensely more attractive to own than modern made equivilants.

Yet another modern source for the U.S.M.C. nco is
www.chevalierdauvergne.com/

A French site that has been posted in many sabre threads. What's in your wallet?

Browsing a few pages of this subsection will show the same conversations in much the same light.

Here is some more homework
www.militarytraining.net/Cpl%20Course/Classes/Sword103.PDF

There are, of course, a great deal more information online and in books. If there is any real interest at all in learning about the swords of America's past this title is worth spending for. I could point you to a used copy for less than $20 if you are interested.

www.amazon.com/American-Sword-Harold-Leslie-Peterson/dp/0960309411

There are a few older swords kicking around for sale. What is probably most important in offering much more information is really what you might in mind for use. Quite similar swords made in the 19th century are quite common and fairly thrifty if a scabbard is not a priority. The new ones, as I have linked, are also quite available.

Cheers

Hotspur; maybe your dad can fill in some rememberances. If gone, condolences. If he is around, cherish any discussions you can get.

For the most part yes, the blades you come across both modern made and of older years back as far as the early 20th century. There will be a mix of plated blades of the late 19th century as well and into the 20th century.

The decision you might determine is whether a brand new sword, or a well kept original might be better received. There is a nice one at a reasonable price here.

www.gundersonmilitaria.com/swordad.html

Another here

www.johnnyg.westhost.com/

These will have the proprietary decorative etches.

Wall mounted enclosed displays are quite available and maybe an additional place to display artifacts and mementos.

One thing to consider though is how your dad might or might not appreciate the gesture. My dad was WWII navy and although he shared some of his duty life, he became a bit gruff in replying to some questions. It took looking through his own papers after he passed to truly appreciate his service.

My own feeling on such would be to find a nice older one for him, or alternately looking at new with an inscription from WKC/Marlowe White or Ames. Ames would offer a more detailed presentation for the money than through a prime order from WKC or Chevalierdauvergne.

Cheers

Hotspur; a cased display of an oldie would be my want for a relative

If it seems like your dad is going to be fond of handling it and going through drilling routines, I would go wtih the WKC from Marlowe White. Get it as a package with gloves, a belt and hanger, cloth or sturdier case, a sword cloth. If it is going to be mostly for display, I would think about the possibility of Ames and give them a call (not just an email). As mentioned, there are as well some display cases made specifically for these and will be the best easy fit. The custom opportunities for display somewhat endless.

Ames should be able to offer more than just a simple name etch and that single line or lines could include dates of service. More detailed information etches would probably be a per line and letter cost, as also possibly a base price for custom etching stencil cost. They may be up to the stage of laser etching at this point, so older methodology may be cost prohibitive in today's market. At any rate, a call with their customer service would clear up any questions.

Cheers

Hotspur; my dad had been more fascinated with electrical engineering and those toys than any other service activity

Hey they got a Cold Steel Marine Sword! It's totally functional and is only $200