F.W. Widmann USMC Musician or Mounted Artillery Sabre Sword ca.1830’s

Description

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 is either meant for a mounted artillery officer (cannon, horseshoes) or a musician (drums, horns, trumpets, cymbals). Also the only Widmann swords I’m aware of that are remotely similar to this are his 1832 Marine contract eagleheads that have an identical scabbard and leather-wrapped grips, so that’s why I’m assuming this is a USMC sword. In any case, it’s one of a kind.