“FW Widmann Philada.”-Stamped Early USMC Sword w/Scabbard ca. 1820’s-1840’s For Sale

This is the only known sword of this type by famed American swordmaker FW Widmann, complete with its original scabbard. Displays both his unique ferrule and “FW Widmann Philada” stamp at the bottom of the hilt. The sword remains very solid and strong structurally throughout, the only issues unfortunately being areas of pitting on the blade as well as the loss of over half its bluing. I own another Widmann piece that he etched with his signature, and the handwriting matches the “Warranted” mark on this one. This tells us that he personally etched this blade; it wasn’t imported pre-decorated as he was known to do from time to time. The scabbard is quite dry but not brittle, and has shrunk over the years so that the tip of the sword protrudes from the end of the chape. Also the scabbard’s throat slides around freely because the rivet affixing it to the scabbard is broken. It features both a frog stud as well as two hanger rings. Based on the designs etched into the blade I think this was meant for a Marine Corps musician (drums, horns, trumpets, cymbals). Swords of this type were known to be carried by naval NCO’s too. The only Widmann sword I’m aware of that is remotely similar to this is his 1832 USMC contract Adult Musician’s Sword, but that one has an eagle pommel and a smaller knucklebow. I think this was either a custom piece for an officer or possibly a predecessor to the Adult Musician’s Sword.