M 1902 Army Officers Sword

The Model 1902 Army Officer's Sword is the current United States Army Officer's Sword. The official name of the current US military sword is the "All Officers' Sword, Model 1902". It was approved on July 17, 1902 by General Decree No. 81.

The M1902 sword was authorized for all officers, both infantry and cavalry, except the chaplain. The slightly curved blade has a length of 30 to 34 inches, a weight of 20.2 to 22.8 ounces (573 to 647 grams), originally specified by the US Army, and a balance point 3.25 inches from the handle as specified for infantry sabers. 

By the early 1870s, combat experience had convinced many American officers that swords had at best a tertiary role in the modern military. Because it was not used during the American Civil War and the Indian Wars, many opposed army personnel and field officers carrying the Model 1850. This led to the introduction of the Army Staff and Field Officers' Sword Model 1872, a significantly lighter design that was essentially a ceremonial weapon. which used by officers mainly as a badge of rank and as a means of displaying items to subordinates. command However, many disliked the idea of ​​carrying a purely ceremonial weapon into battle, and the delicate design of the M1872 proved unsuitable for the rigors of military use in the field. Some officers carried cavalry swords or no sword at all. Ultimately, the M1902 was developed in response to requests for a light, self-propelled weapon that soldiers could "fight themselves."

The final design of the M1902 was the result of years of research and testing by Henry V. Allien and Company in collaboration with several army officers after they contacted Mr. Allien privately and asked him to develop a more effective sword for the United States Army. After years of research by Mr. Allien, including many trips to Europe and many designs with straight and curved blades, the final design was completed and presented to General John C. Kelton, who was known as an accomplished swordsman. He suggested making it less curved in the center so that the latter would be in line with the grip for more thrust. Years later, in June 1902, a board met in Washington to develop new rules for military uniforms, some of which led to the adoption of a new regulatory sword. Henry V. Allien and Company submitted five model swords, three with straight and two curved blades, to the Uniform Board for consideration, and the War Department supplied the same number. The result was that out of ten models, one Allien sword was adopted, approved by General Kelton. 

Although considered a significant improvement over the M1872, praise was not universal for the M1902. Although there were several highly experienced and decorated officers on the uniform table, no one was listed as an expert in swordsmanship. Board members were chosen to display a wide range of military expertise, as this had to account for many other clothing and equipment, and was very different from what might have been in the introduction of a new regulation sword. its main concern. The resulting M1902 pattern sword was considered a compromise between lightness and effectiveness, and several members of the Battle Council questioned whether such a light blade could still be effective in combat during the evaluation of the 1905 sword. However, the review ultimately recommended that the current model sword be retained, and the M1902 remains the standard officer sword of the US Army.

The modern role of the M1902 is entirely ceremonial, and is almost never carried by a commander in formation except for parades and ceremonies. As a presentation sword, the M1902 is also sometimes given as an exchange gift to newly commissioned or retired officers or commanders.