Last quarter of the 19th century. The 1859 regulation was adopted with a hilt of 1850 Infantry Officer pattern, and were indistinguishable but for the plain polished blade of the Marine pattern. The 1875 regulation which reinstated the mameluke hilt for officers, specified blade decoration for the NCO sword. This example is made by Horstman to that specification and is dated by its early broad blade. The blade is frosty with the decoration well preserved. The hilt, marked 32, is excellent with the original grip as made. The scabbard lacks about 20% of the leather covering. A very rare sword from the famed Frank Barnyak Collection.
