“To the Shores of Tripoli” goes the Marine Corps hymn. That part of the North African military history played by a small USMC detachment seeking to free the American shipping trade of the annual tribute and bribes to the Barbary Pirates is what inspired the USMC to adopt the Mameluke style of short saber for officers. This wonderful example was made by F.W. Widmann and is identified to Issac T. Doughty, inscribed “I.T. Doughty, / Marine Corps”. Early 19th Century identified USMC Mameluke swords are at the top of the heap of historic Naval weapons for rarity, desirability and being irreplaceable on today’s or in any previous antiques market. From its ivory hilt, brass scabbard and to the fine blade, this sword is in exceptional condition exhibiting all of the features of such a wonderful historically rare antique. F.W. Widmann swords are fairly scarce and they are also early being most often found in the 1830’s and 1840’s. This USMC officer’s sword a highly desirable example of a very rarely encountered type. It should occupy a treasured place in one of the finer American arms collections.