USMC mamaluke blade width?

[sundance]

I understand that the blade width of the USMC mamaluke at the hilt has, on one or two occasions, gotten smaller. Is that by regulation, a matter of cost cutting, that the narrower blades are not per regulation or as is always possible - I'm off in the ozone? Does anyone know when these changes were made? Your thoughts would be much appreciated. Thanks

[SARGE]

Here is a period mention of the blade regulations that may help.

 

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/181898-new-info-for-dating-usmc-mameluke-swords/?hl=mameluke

 

You can also search the forum for similar hints on slight changes in the USMC Mameluke swords that help date them. Basically, the Model 1875 USMC Officer Sword did away with the Model 1850 US Army swords that were worn by Marine Officers during the US Civil War. All of these US swords became lighter in heft as years went by.

[sundance]

Thanks for the info Sarge. Now another question - mamaluke or mameluke? I think I've seen it both ways ( but I'm more interested in the width question).

[Horseclover]

Mameluke would be the preferred spelling when regarding the sword type and was derived by the use of the indentured military of Ottoman royalty/ A sword was presented to Lt Presely O'Bannon after the battle of Deme by viceroy Hamet (presumed to have been his own sword).

 

The sword was adopted as regulation in 1825, which predates British regulation of 1831. The initial swords for the US were British imports. From examples of late 19th century to the 20th century and to date, the pre WWII swords were often wider than post war swords. The earlier 19th century swords more varied but basics such as a yellow hilt with white grip what the early regulation called for. The German sources for swords after the 1875 redux when appreciable narrowing began but the British examples still wider. I don't know when the approved numbers started appearing on the back of the blades but that is when uniform width would have begun.

 

Cheers

 

GC