Model 1840 NCO (Noncommissioned Officers') Sword

The Model 1840 NCO sword was introduced to the US Army in 1840. Based primarily on the sword used by the French Army, the Model 1840 NCO sword proved somewhat difficult to conceal and poorly balanced. It has been widely used by the military for over 70 years; today its use is limited to ceremonial events.

The sword had a 31-inch blade (some were slightly longer), a cast brass hilt reminiscent of the more expensive wire-covered leather hilts, and a leather scabbard instead of the steel used by cavalrymen and officers, although some manufacturers such as Emerson. and Silver issued a steel scabbard instead of leather to protect against wear. Since 1868, the production of leather scabbards has been discontinued.

The sword replaced a weapon known as the 1832- foot Artillery Sword, which was used by both infantry and artillery regiments between 1832 and 1840. It was used by all sergeant ranks until it was discontinued in 1875., first sergeants and above wore the belt. from 1821 to 1872. The sword was carried in either a white or black scabbard or an Enfield bayonet scabbard. Musicians carried a shorter version with a 26-inch blade, called the Model 1840 Musician's Sword.

The M1840 had a long service life, serving on the front lines from the Mexican-American War to the American Civil War to the Spanish-American War. During the Civil War it was not always granted to volunteer regiments. It appears that the prime contractor for the production of the M1840 NCO sword was the Ames Manufacturing Company. During the Civil War, the United States government contracted several companies to produce bladed weapons along with Ames. Two of these companies, Emerson and Silver and Christopher Roby, produce M1840 NCO swords. The weapon was made with a blunt edge, as swords were sharpened at that time only when they were expected to be used.

The narrow blade was a compromise between cutting and thrusting functions, but the thick spine favors stabbing rather than cutting technique. It was the primary weapon of standard bearers (along with the Colt Army Model 1860 and the Colt 1851 Navy revolver) and the secondary weapon of hospital orderlies and infantry NCOs. The sword was also used by the confederates, who captured many after capturing state arsenals.

In 1868, the Ordnance Board recommended that no more leather swords or bayonets be purchased, so after the leather scabbard, a black scabbard made of Japanese steel and a new patterned leather scabbard were replaced. It remained in use as a ceremonial weapon until its use was abolished by General Order No. 77 of August 6, 1875. A modern version of this sword with a steel scabbard is currently authorized for US Army platoon sergeants and first sergeants. in practice it is rarely seen outside of the third Infantry Regiment ("Old Guard") and honor guards. Some NCOs in the army have this sword and use it on social occasions, regardless of their rank of platoon sergeant or sergeant.