The NCO Sword
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The Comparative Difference Between the Replica and Real USMC NCO Sword
The following graphics represent the quality difference of the real and replica NCO sword. Don't be fooled by the Ebay auctions that claim their sword is "the real thing". Educate yourself and learn the difference.
Above: The gold tassel is not authorized, this is an imitation from Civil War era Officer Swords... tactic adopted to draw attention to replica, and make it look nicer.
Compare the differences between these two swords. The one on top is the replica, the one on bottom is the issued brass hilt version. Notice the cheap gold scrollwork on the hilt. It almost looks like spray paint over aluminum on the top versus the polished brass on the issued sword below. Taking a closer look at the hilt, you'll also notice that grip above is made of pleather, while the one below is made of genuine leather.
Above: Here is a silver version of the imitation that I found selling on EBAY. Again, we have the tassle, and in addition the hilt is made out of some sort of silver alloy versus brass/anodized.
The imitation sword blade is on top, and the real sword is on bottom. Notice the Ricasso (the star directly below the hilt). I think the comparison between the two speak for themselves. The replica Ricasso is stamped onto the replica, while it is engraved on the real NCO sword.
