M 1852 Naval Officers Sword

The Naval Officers Sword of 1852 was a sword made for the United States Navy that entered service in 1852 and was used during the American Civil War. It was the same style used by IRS officers.

The Coast Guard sword used by the United States Coast Guard is almost identical to the Model 1852 Naval Officers Sword. The only difference is that the swords of Coast Guard officers are engraved with US Coast Guard instead of US Navy. It is similar in style to the officer's sword used by the Coast Guard's predecessor, the US Revenue Knife. The sword was created after the first military sidearm regulations. In the past, Coast Guard swords were either Navy swords or personal preferences. The requirement for US Navy officers to use swords was suspended during World War II.

Model 1852 swords made before and during the American Civil War had a blade about 1 inch wide and slightly curved. By 1870 the blade width was reduced to about 3/4 inch and in the early 20th century the swords were straightened. Both swords are made at WKC Stahl und Metallwarenfabrik.