Recently acquired this 1805 Battle of Derna  Barbary Coast Pirate Sword and leather sheath bring back from the US Marines. It came out of the William Guthman collection. So per the Marine hymn - 

From the Halls of Montezuma
To the shores of Tripoli;
We fight our country's battles
In the air, on land, and sea;
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
Of United States Marine.
 

Enjoy! 

Thanks for posting this, it is a real tangible reminder of why we first went to the Med and why we may never not have a presence there.

I totally agree 100%! This was the beginning with NO end in sight after 220 years. Thanks for sharing your comment. 

A real historic piece!  What does the label on the sheath say?

Wow! Incredible. Absolutely incredible.  This is one of the neatest items I have seen in 2025.  Absolutely museum grade.  Thank you for sharing.  Semper Fi.

Really appreciate the all of the positive feedback and interest. 
The tagging on the sheath reads -             Collected by US Marines 

Derna Tripoli 

The last line reads 

North Africa? 
Or

Someone’s name?

 

I know Presley O’Bannon, Arthur Campbell, Bernard O’Brian, Edward Stewart, David Thomas, James Owen’s, John Whitten, John Wilton, and an unidentified private were there according to the history books. So if anyone can make out a name that would be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks again!