U.S. Marine Corps Mameluke Sword w/ 20th C
Updated August 18, 2026
| Lot number | 224 |
| Estimate | 500.00 - 800.00 USD |
| Auction | AUGUST AUCTION |
| Date | August 22, 2026 at 12:00 PM EDT |
| Auction house | Big Shanty Auction |
| Location | Marietta, Georgia |
Early-to-mid 20th-century United States Marine Corps officer’s Mameluke-pattern dress sword, retaining the distinctive curved amber-colored ivory-like grip secured by two inset five-pointed star rivets, a brass crossguard with acorn-form finials, and original braided leather sword knot. The long straight polished blade is richly etched on both faces with scrolling foliate ornament, military and patriotic devices, and prominent “UNITED STATES MARINES” inscriptions, consistent with the standardized Marine officer pattern introduced in the early 20th century; period Marine regulations specify this characteristic Mameluke-type grip, star fasteners, straight acorn-ended crossguard, and etched “United States Marines” blade decoration. The sword is accompanied by its polished nickel-plated metal scabbard fitted with decorative brass mounts and suspension rings, a configuration characteristic of Marine officer Mameluke swords rather than the leather-scabbarded NCO pattern. The warm amber coloration of the grip appears consistent with an aged early synthetic or ivory-like material, though the precise composition cannot be confirmed from photographs alone. Condition is very good overall for age, with the blade retaining strong, crisp etched decoration and a bright polished surface showing scattered light handling marks and minor oxidation; brass fittings exhibit mellow age patina and rubbing, the grip shows light surface wear but appears intact, the leather knot displays expected age and dryness, and the nickel-plated scabbard shows scratches, rubbing, scattered discoloration, and minor surface wear while retaining its mounts and suspension hardware. Comparable period Marine officer Mameluke swords with etched blades and nickel-plated scabbards remain actively collected, with condition, maker, officer attribution, and exact age materially affecting value. Measures 37.5"H x 5.5"W x 1"D, blade is 32"long and with scabbard it is 39.5"long overall.
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