NCO Sword Star

Comments

Ssgt Taveras - June 22, 2023

After a few hours of research, I have an answer. The star is not “the star of Damascus” or the Star of David. The company that typically makes this sword for the marine corps is called WKC Solingen, based out of Germany. The 6 point star, which is a triangle right side up, and a triangle upside down, with a circle in the middle and the word “proved” on it, is simply a proof mark that is stamped on there by the aforementioned company. While I did not research the history of that company, or why they use that symbol, that is why it is on there today.

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Rusty Hubbarth - April 8, 2020

One of my DI’s, the extremely “Heavy Hat” of Plt. 140, PISC 1973, made a point of showing me the Mogen David on his sword. I thought, but did not ask, that if he killed 4 more would he be an Ace? For once I was smart enough to keep my mouth shut.That DI retired as a Master Sgt. and went on to become a multi-millionaire in the market. I’ve spoken to him a few times since. Bill Leopold, a man who has been successful in every aspect. Semper Fi!!

BILL Wilson - April 8, 2020

The emblem you call the Star of David is a proof mark from the guild masters who made swords and sabers. All sabers and swords in ancient times had to be tested to see that they would hold up to wear and tear in combat or otherwise. If they held up, they were considered proven (approved) for usage. My NCO saber was made by Solingen and the symbol even has the word “proved” on it. This is one of the things taught in NCO school, way back in the mid-60’s (yeah I’m an old fart and the saber was one of my original 782 gear issue). Semper Fi and Semper Gumby!

Malcolm Forbes - April 8, 2020

The six point star on the sword is not new. My father was a USN officer in WW1 and I have his sword, with the six point star on it. At this point that sword is now 100 years old. One web site pointed out that while there are indeed six points on the star, the Star of David consists of two interlocking triangles, US swords just have six points; close, but that only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. And for whatever it may be worth, back in the fifties NCO’s started wearing a sword and carrying swagger sticks, but the swords were the Navy CPO cutlasses. Curved blade and a large brass hand guard. You can see one at http://www.marlowwhite.com/swords/navy-cpo?___SID=U The handle on today’s USMC NCO sword is very similar to my father’s Navy officers sword. Blades are different: navy was straight, USMC NCO are curved a bit, but less than the cutlass.Semper Fi Cpl Malcolm Forbes USMC 1954-57

Sgt. Jack Wireman 2nd Recon1972 -1977 - April 8, 2020

I never did get my NCO saber, always wanted one, they only gave saber’s to DI, after school. I have looked at Sgt Grit but I want to find one made here in the USA, some thing that is hard to do today.

Jim Roberts - April 8, 2020

In reply to Sgt. Jack Wireman 2nd Recon1972 -1977.
I believe, the company, “Cold Steel”, makes a quality USMC NCO sword. It is advertised as the real deal, not just a wall hanger. However, I believe that it only comes in one size, not sized for the hieghth of the Marine. Semper Fidelis. Jim R.

Michael Tucci - April 8, 2020

In reply to Malcolm Forbes.
Actually, the USMC NCO sword was originally the USMC Officer’s sword. It took its design from Civil War cavalry swords. At a certain time–I think in the late 1800’s or early 1900’s, the Officer’s sword went back to the Mameluke in remembrance and honor of Lt. Presley O’Bannon’s attack on Derne, Tripoli in the War with the Barbary Pirates. When the Officer’s sword went to the Mameluke, the former Officer sword became the NCO sword. (As a former Marine officer, we had to learn the history of the sword–I forget a lot of the dates and things, but, this is the general gist of it)

artymgysgt - April 8, 2020

When I was a L/Cpl a Cpl who was our units armorer gave a class on USMC customs and traditions. While his class was interesting it was full of B.S. and when talking about the NCO sword he said that the star was where to test the proof of the piece you could bend the tip of the blade and touch the star and the sword should spring back to it’s original straight position. Even as a less then 3 year stint in the Corps I knew that was a crock of B.S.