Identifying A Marine Officer Sword Vs. An Enlisted Sword You receive standard issue fatigues, combat helmets, ballistic vests, and other tactical gear when you're in the Marine Corps. You also have the chance to buy a special item, an officer sword or an enlisted sword, which is one special part of being in the Marine Corps. You can even get one for a loved one who is in the Marines or a veteran of the Marines. However, you must know which one to buy. If you wish to buy a specific sword, here is how to identify a Marine officer sword versus an enlisted Marine’s sword. Swords for Officers A scimitar-like weapon that is similar to the sabers which were used by the Mamluk warriors in the Ottoman Empire is known as the officer sword, or Mameluke sword. The first sword issued was to a Marine First Lieutenant in 1804. Officer swords look very different from those given to the enlisted. A white handle that curves down and that has a gold hole is included on the officer swords. It includes a leather, braided rope running through the hole and a tassel hangs down from the end of the braided rope. Two round, gold, metal nubs are also on the white handle. Where the handle and the blade meet, you’ll see a gold guard that almost resembles a four-point star. Usually available in stainless steel, the Marine officer sword normally comes with beautiful etchings. One side ordinarily says “United States Marines,” and the other side can have the Marine officer’s name engraved. If you happen to be buying an antique sword, in some cases you can find the Marine’s serial number etched into the sword too. To make it all the more beautiful, there can be a number of other symbols and designs etched around the lettering. These swords are genuinely unique, and obtaining one would be a terrific piece to add to any military collection. Enlisted Swords As compared to the officer sword, the enlisted sword looks a bit different. The main difference between the two is the handle. The Marine enlisted sword is gold and wraps downwards and back up to the base of the sword. Black and gold are used on the grip of the handle. It’s typically forged stainless steel and gold plated. An element of the sword that is all gold plated is the part that wraps under the handle and goes around the knuckle. This sword is truly beautiful. Almost just like the Marine officer sword, the sword itself is also typically etched. The sword curves up a little more than the officer sword does. Gorgeous images surround the blade which is also etched with the words, “United States Marines.” Customization If you purchase brand new swords, you can choose to engrave whatever you want on them. The price of the sword often includes engraving. Whether for somebody you love in the Marines, someone who wanted to be in the Marines but couldn’t, or a Marine Corps veteran whom you love, it is a wonderful gift. You can do the Marine Corps engraving on one side and put his or her name on the other or have a lovely message engraved for your loved one.
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