Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a U.S. Mexican-American War issue Model 1840 Non-Commissioned Officer's sword, retailed by Horstmann of Philadelphia with a German-made blade by Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Co. of Solingen Germany. This model is associated with the Marine Corps due to its upturned guard, but this is actually rarer. Horstmann’s version of the M1840 NCO Sword was unique in that it was the only maker who produced the sword with the inner counterguard cast in a turned-down position.  In 1859 the Marines adopted the Horstmann version of the Army M1840 NCO sword for use by musicians of the Corps.

The sword measures 37 1/2" overall, and has an all-brass hilt, with a "double scallop" cross guard with one side downturned, and a "D" hand guard enclosing the knurled  hand grip. This sword features the distinct Horstmann NCO sword turned down counter guard. The M1840 NCO sword was the Marine Corps regulation until the change in 1859, which called for Marine Corp NCO's to use a sword patterned after the 1850 Foot Officer Sword. This Army example was likely made in the mid-1840s, perfect for Mexican-American War issue.

The 31 1/4" straight blade's ricasso is marked on one side with the Horstmann company marking -

HORSTMANN
& SONS
PHILADELPHIA

It is marked on the other side of the blade with the "Kings's Head" (königskopf) trademark of legendary German maker Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie of Solingen. This company is a famous manufacturer of military swords and cutlery in Solingen, Germany - a city famous since the middle ages for its metal-working and craftsmanship in sword making.

This sword is in overall great condition, with the expected wear from age, and the heavy blade wear. The blade still retains some of its original polished bright steel finish. There is staining and runner wear near the tip of the blade. The hilt is in great shape, and still has some gilding present on the blade side of the cross guard.

This is an absolutely genuine U.S. Mexican American War issue M1840 Horstmann NCO sword, offered in great condition. Ready to display!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 31 1/4”
Blade style: Single Edged Straight with Fuller
Overall length: 37 1/2”
Handguard: 4 1/2”W x 6”L