In 1859 the Commandant of the Marine Corps authorized a version of the 1850 Army Foot Officer's Sword to be presented to NCO's (Non-Commissioned Officer: ranked Corporal and above) to recognize the role NCO's play in leadership of the Marine Corps.
In 1859 the Commandant of the Marine Corps authorized a version of the 1850 Army Foot Officer's Sword to be carried by Marine Officers instead of their prized Mameluke Sword. In 1875, the Officer's went back to the Mameluke and the M1850 Sword was presented to NCO's (Non-Commissioned Officer: ranked Corporal and above) to recognize their leadership role in the Marine Corps.