Model 1922 Cadets Sword

Sometime after 1922, the West Point sword was modified with the Academy's seal depicting Athena's helmet from Greek mythology, reflecting its addition to the Academy's coat of arms in place of the letters "MA" on its shield. Introduced at the turn of the 20th century, the seal was designed with a classical helmet facing sinister (heraldically to the viewer's left or right).

In 1922 it was pointed out that this was contrary to the best heraldic usage, which places greater honor on the right side (heraldic right or viewer's left). The helmet was then turned to the smart. All crested swords examined had the hilt facing right. The earliest examples of these are well made with brass handles. On either side of the straight blade is a wide central storm with two edges running from the ricasso to the tip 8 inches. The back of the blade is engraved "U.S.M.A."

The handle is similar to the previous model, except for changes to the proportions of the elements, the use of white metal on the handles and the use of a guard instead of the letters "MA" on the cover. The hood is exactly the same, except the frame is extra.

The current manufacturer is WKC Stahl- und Metallwarenfabrik in Solingen, Germany.

Model 1872 Cadets Sword

The first pictorial evidence found of the use of the sword is a photograph of a group of cadets from 1875. This design is known not to have been used in 1870, but the exact date of the change between this design and the previous design is unknown. Determined 1872 saw many other changes to the army's sword regulations, so this was tentatively chosen as the date for the sword exchange at West Point, although it may actually have taken place as early as 1871 or even 1875.

The straight blade has a diamond-shaped cross-section and tapers evenly towards the tip. It has a strong square ricasso, stamped "U.S. ARMORY/SPRINGFIELD" on the reverse. The hilts are cast to resemble a coil of wire and probably used the same mold as the 1840 NCO sword. At either end of the handles are sleeves decorated with floral scrolls. The bomb is the reverse of a cone surmounted by an eagle flanked by arrows and palms and surmounted by a scroll with a pierced gable knot. The shield consists of straight crossed quillons, with an Eagle's head at either end, and an oval cartouche in the center of the obverse, surrounded by a spray of flowers, bearing the letters "MA" in Old English script. The entire handle is cast brass. Hutre is iron that may have originally been blued but is now clear. For the frog, there is a needle throat and an asymmetrical pull tip, both brass. 

There are several small variations of this model. Some swords are from private makers such as EandF Horster (Germany), Meyers, Rock Island and Ames, as well as Springfield Armory, and are engraved "U.S.M.A." in a cartouche on the back of the blade.

Sometimes, they tried to give the non-commissioned officers of the cadet regiment simpler weapons and nicer models for the officers, but this was abandoned and the swords were distributed indiscriminately.

Frederck T. adds to the confusion. The illustration of Chatman from 1885. It shows two cadets, the first in Summer and Full dress, the second in White Fatigues. The swords of both cadets are well displayed, some originating from before the first orders of 1872 and some from the 1839 model.

Springfield Armory produced a total of 253 swords between 1868 and 1914, followed by an order for hoods in 1920. Armory inventories show that the following number of swords were received between 1868 and 1920; 1868 - 36 pieces, 1874 - 25 pieces, 1876 - 28 pieces, 1880 - 14 pieces, 1882 - 50 pieces, 1893 - 50 pieces and 1914 - 50 pieces. A total of 253 swords plus 100 swords.

The academy's maintenance department often uses parts of swords to repair another, causing considerable confusion. Peterson on page 181 shows a photo of Cadet M.M. Kimmel, U.S.M.A., class of 1857, with swords of that type 10 years older than the model, and Todd refers to an illustration by Fredrick T. Chatman on page 60, dated 1885, of cadets carrying pre-model swords under their arms. 20 years from now. The reconstruction of the swords continues today.

Model 1850 Cadets Sword

Little is known about the exact design of the cadet swords ordered by the US Department of Defense from the Ames Manufacturing Company, and few examples have been found so far. The cadet swords were probably purchased by the United States Military Academy (West Point, New York) and the Virginia Military Institute (V.M.I.) in Lexington. Cadet swords were inspected and marked with the inspector's initials "USA" and the year of approval.

Ames also sold this sword to other academies and private buyers until 1923. The Army Chief (Records Group 156) sent the following correspondence to both N.P. Ames or James T. Ames:

 

The final order from the War Department for Ames-made cadet swords is somewhat confusing, as the original order of 100 swords was not recorded.  The only letter found on swords is:

 

War Department records show that James T. Ames delivered 100 cadet swords on July 25, 1856, in addition to other swords. As noted in Colonel Talcott's letter of August 22, 1849, the cadet sword cost $10.00 each. they are apparently of the same pattern as the model (1850) made in response to that letter. The civil war caused a delivery delay of 7 years.

Model 1839 Cadets Sword

 

The first distinctive West Point cadet sword appeared in the late 1840s. A small sword with a straight cross, shield-shaped threads, wire-wrapped hilts and an urn head. This sword was made by the Ames Manufacturing Company of Chicopee, Massachusetts. The cadet swords were believed to have been purchased by the Military Department of the United States Military Academy and the V.M.I. In each case, the cadet swords were inspected and stamped with the inspector's initials, the initials "USA" and the year of approval. Hickox notes that V.M.I ordered the sword before the US Military Academy did, and requested that V.M.I. the sword is duly marked leaving the option N.P. Ames. Ames gave the cadet swords to the academy only in April 1840. The original order of 100 Swords was not recorded. Hickox can only show 2 delivery dates for cadet swords to the academy: 100 on November 30, 1849 for $11.00 and another 100 on July 25, 1856 for $10.00. Both orders were apparently of the same model.

The cadet sword is last mentioned in the regulations of 1839, when it was written that cadets must carry the sword of the paid section, a gilded sword with a black tassel.

Model 1802 Cadets Sword

These swords were issued to Cadet Officers and NCOs between 1802 and 1839. No examples are known.

Before the creation of the United States Military Academy in 1802, cadets served as apprentices to the soldiers. After 1802, the only military orders were West Point cadets. Military cadet swords before 1802 are mentioned in three surviving sources:

On March 30, 1800, cadets were required to use a sword with a cutting and thrusting blade 28 to 32 inches long and a gilded handle. On September 22, 1800, Samuel Hodgdon, Superintendent of Military Movement, wrote to John Harris, Army Storekeeper, that the swords of cadets and non-commissioned officers should be brass-mounted and with a 30-inch cutting and thrusting blade.

In 1801 an order was issued that the swords of cadets should be the same as those of company officers, with a 28-inch cutting and thrusting blade according to the branch of service. Most of the first cadets of the military academy were from the artillery and engineer organizations, and it is therefore assumed that yellow sabers were almost universal. A general order issued on September 4, 1816 stated that cadet swords were to be "cut and pushed, yellow, with a black hilt, on a knapsack..." These orders were repeated in orders of 1820, 1821, and 1825.

The regulations make no further mention of cadet swords until 1839, when it states that they must be of the type used by the salary department, which then carried a gilded sword with a black scabbard.

West Point Cadets Sword

The West Point Cadet Sword is issued to officer cadets of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, for use when branded under the arm on the uniform, including on official duties, drills, parades, reviews, and graduations. Swords are issued to cadets in their First Class (4th) year and are returned to the academy upon graduation. Despite its straight blade and lack of knuckle protection, it is referred to by USMA personnel and cadets as a "sabre", probably because the manual of arms commands uses the term as an executive order (e.g. "Draw...sword!")

The Ames Model 1850 seems to be the ancestor of this type of Academy sword. The academy added special heraldry to their swords from 1872. The other academies are customizing their swords, but now only 2 remain. The West Point specific cadet sword is sold to current cadets and alumni only. The basic cadet sword does not have to be made of the same materials as specified by the Academy and is sold without the USMA heraldry and can be purchased almost anywhere. The basic cadet sword is made or produced in Germany, India, Spain and China, but not all swords are of the same quality. Variations of the sword are used in the Citadel and other military academies and schools around the world.

The sword is based on the sword used by the US Army at the founding of the USMA (March 16, 1802). The first swords used were military heirlooms after the academy was founded in 1802 and are believed to be similar to the French Grenadier Sergeant's sword used in the Revolutionary Army in 1767. The first swords purchased for the academy were delivered in 1838.

Swords used in the USMA are copyrighted and trademarked. They are controlled by the Logistics Department, the Cadet Service Department, the Equipment Department and the Service and Subject Center, which is now responsible for keeping the swords and handing them over to qualified cadet officers. 

The cadet shop sells swords to cadets, alumni and other authorized cadet shop customers. Damaged and damaged samples can be repaired or scrapped, and components can be reused. The swords were ordered from Springfield Armory until 1920, when they competed.

Fully clothed or under the armpits, the sword and tassel are carried on a white cotton sword belt hung from the right shoulder to the left waist, and a red silk belt around the waist. The chest plate is used in the middle of the breasts. This uniform is official and is worn by the color guard, drum major, officer of the day, and graduates at parades and honor council meetings. The sword is also used in drills or in less formal military formations when worn on a black leather belt around the waist and a brass buckle with the Academy arms.

In 1841, the superintendent of the academy ordered that the belt must be worn with the sword. US Army generals wore silk sashes in full uniform until 1917, when the practice ended in the US Army, but it continued in the academy. In 1955, Frederick P. Todd stated that today the West Point officer cadet is the only person in the military who wears a sword and belt, and he is the sole guardian of the tradition.

• Model 1802 _{click here}
• Model 1839 _{click here}
• Model 1850 _{click here}
• Model 1872 _{click here}
• Model 1922 _{click here}

1913 Cavalry Saber (Patton Saber)

The 1913 Cavalry Sword, often referred to as the Patton Sword, was a cavalry sword designed by Second Lieutenant (later General) George S. Patton for the United States Army in 1913. Patton proposed a curved sword version in both steel and steel. cutting technique. attacking style after extensive training in France.  It had a large basket-shaped handle that attached a straight double thrust blade intended for use by light cavalry. Although officially marked as a sword, it lacks the curved edge characteristic of many sword designs.

This weapon, the last sword issued to the American cavalry, was never used as intended. When the United States entered World War I, several American cavalry units armed with swords were sent to the front, but were held back. The nature of warfare has changed, making cavalry easy prey for enemy troops equipped with Gewehr 98 rifles and MG08 machine guns. Cavalry that saw battle dismounted and used their horses only for travel, as cavalry.

The saber is traditionally an American cavalry weapon; The 1913 Cavalry Sword replaced the Model 1906 Light Cavalry Sword (the "Ames" Sword), which itself was little changed from the 1860 Light Cavalry Sword. Patton designed the sword when he was a master swordsman at the Mounted Service School; However, unlike earlier versions of cavalry swords, the 1913 sword was completely redesigned.

After the Olympics in Stockholm, (1912) Patton and his family traveled to Dresden, Berlin and Nuremberg. Patton, looking for the greatest fencer of Europe to learn from, was told that it was the "belsabreur" of the French army. Adjutant M. Cléry was a French "army leader" and teacher of swordsmanship at the Saumur Cavalry School.

Patton went to the master of Saumur on intensive research. On his return, Patton wrote a report on his sword research that was reviewed in the Army and Navy Journal. Patton's first article in the famous Cavalry Journal appeared in the March 1913 issue. In the summer of 1913, Patton was allowed to return to Saumur to relearn under Cléry, after being advised by the Ministry of Defense to redesign the sword. Next, Patton was assigned to the Mounted Service School at Fort Riley, Kansas, as a student and "Master of the Sword," the top instructor of the new fencing course. There he wrote two manuals of fencing exercises, "Saber Exercise 1914" and "Diary of the Instructor in Sword Fencing". Patton's original sword is on display at the General George Patton Museum in Ft. Knox, Kentucky.

The design was influenced by the French heavy cavalry saber of the Napoleonic Wars, as well as French cavalry doctrine which emphasized the use of the point above the edge, and is similar to the British 1908 and 1912 cavalry sabers.

The model 1913 sword has a large basket-shaped handle with a straight double-edged thrust blade attached, designed for heavy cavalry use. It was modeled on Patton's system of fencing, published by the War Department as the 1914 Saber Exercise manual, which emphasized the use of the point over the edge. 

Its design was mistakenly thought to have influenced the modern Hungarian sword used in sport fencing, but has no connection to the modern fencing sword, which evolved from traditional Hungarian and Italian weapons and was introduced in 1910. A modern replica is 44 110 89 cm (35 in) bladed total weighing two and a half pounds (1.1 kg). The blade is straight and conical, the leading edge runs the entire length of the blade, and half its length with two blades. Based on the weight of the bell and handle, it would balance much closer to the hand than the typical weapon associated with the name "cavalry sword". It has a blued steel (somewhat nickel plated) "cup holder" and a black component handle. The hoods (three variants) are wood covered with leather and then covered with green fabric. The furniture (neck and pull) is made of blued steel. Others were of nickel-plated steel, a "garrison shield". It was held on the saddle of a horse rather than the belt of a soldier.

According to KJ Parker, Patton's sword was light, thin, exceptionally ergonomic and balanced - in short, "more or less perfect, the best sword ever issued to the army". Amberger, on the other hand, considered the weapon ill-suited for the use of the intended cavalry, because the speed of the cavalry attack could not pull back the thrust of the opponent quickly enough, so that the attacker must either abandon the weapon. blade, break a wrist, or dislocate a sword hand while holding it, or risk the worst consequences: "At worst, a dead opponent would drag him from his horse, making him an unarmed foot soldier in an ocean of falling swords and trampling hooves."

Patton's 1914 manual, Saber Exercise 1914, outlined a training system for using the saber on both the back and the leg.

The ideas of Patton were expressed in his 1913 report, “The Form and Use of the Saber.” The following year, he expanded his "Saber Exercise 1914" manual at the request of students at the Mounted Service School at Fort Riley, Kansas, to publish "The Diary of a Saber Instructor."

In any case, it was already militarily obsolete by the time it was issued, as modern warfare did not allow for the cavalry charges for which it was intended. In pursuance of Parker, "if it was ever drawn in anger, I can find no record of it"

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.

M 1860 Light Cavalry Saber

The M1860 Light Cavalry Saber (also known as the M1862, because the first 800 were numbered) is a steel and brass long saber used by the United States Cavalry from the American Civil War until the end of the Indian Wars; Some of them were still in use during the Spanish-American War. It was 41 inches (104 cm) long, had a blade size of 88.9 x 2.5 cm and weighed 2 pounds. 4 oz (1.0 kg) alone or 3 lbs. 10 oz. (1.6 kg) of iron scabbard.

Before the Civil War, the US Army had no light or heavy cavalry. In its place were "Dragons" (formed in 1830) and "Mounted riflemen" (formed around 1840). In 1861 these cavalry regiments were renamed Cavalry and received yellow piping. 

The M1860 sword was named to distinguish it from the larger and heavier Model 1840 cavalry sword it replaced. Like its predecessor, it had a brass guard, leather-covered grip and steel hood, but unlike the M1840, it was smaller and easier to handle. 

By the end of the Civil War, more than 300,000 pieces of M1860 swords were produced. In addition to the cavalry, M1860s were carried by many infantry and staff officers, as the 1850 sword for military staff and field officers had to be purchased privately. The swords of high officers, like their European counterparts, were often decorated with gold and leaf. Notable users included George Armstrong Custer and J.E.B. Stuart. 

Later in the Civil War, large cavalry raids became less frequent and cavalry assumed the role of skirmishers. Many replaced their swords with spare revolvers or left them in the saddle, fighting on foot with their repeating Henry rifles and Spencer carbines. This is a sword used by cavalrymen in the West and many are original antiques purchased by the film industry in the 1920s when Civil War surplus equipment was cheap.

This design is currently used by some US Army cavalry units on color cards or period-style uniforms. Most of these are given to a departing mounted soldier as a PCS (Permanent Change of Station) or ETS (End of Service) gift. His name, rank and date of service are usually engraved on the scabbard. Some are also dressed in full Dress Blues (when serving on a "Spur Ride" or combat tour) with a Stetson and Spurs.

U.S. Navy M 1860 cutlass

The U.S. Navy M1860 Cutlass was originally designed after the French Model 1833 Naval Cutlass, which itself was designed after the earlier French Model 1803. The French M1833 was a typical cut. Simple design, no frills, but beautifully designed and very effective combat weapon, copied by most navies around the world, including the US Navy. The US Navy's M1860 cutter was slightly different in design; the blade was significantly less wide and slightly shorter, making it much lighter than the French M1833.

The French model M1833 Cutlass above looks very similar to the U.S. Navy M1860 Cutlass, with a swept upturned blade (called a falchio), fuller (fuller is the long groove on some sword blades, it's for balance and some don't think so). to remove the blood) and iron closed the distinctive handle of the cup. The French scissor has the traditional "pirate-like" look and authentic sense of flight seen in all the movies and artworks of the time.

U.S. Marine NCOs (noncommissioned officers) sword

The Marine Corps NCO Sword is a sword used by noncommissioned officers and noncommissioned officers (SNCOs) of the United States Marine Corps. The NCO's sword was introduced in 1859 and is modeled after the 1850 US Army infantry officer's sword.

The M1859 NCO sword continues to serve today as the practice and ceremonial sword of the Marine Corps. The use of the sword is limited by regulations to the ceremonial events of the respective non-commissioned officer or staff non-commissioned officer under the armed forces, or to the organization of weddings and wedding celebrations where at least one of the spouses is in uniform. and holds the rank of corporal or higher.

The sword is modeled after the 1850 US Army infantry officer's sword with minor differences. Alumni swords were originally equipped with heavy, broad blades similar in shape and weight to the standard Army M1850 foot officers’ swords. Unlike the blades of military officers, however, the blades of old naval officers' swords were polished but not engraved. The familiar engraved designs on naval petty officer swords were adopted in regulations of 1875 and have been standard equipment on Marine swords ever since.

Marine NCO swords have a cast brass hilt with a half scabbard guard; leather covered handle bound with twisted brass wire; slightly convex single-edged blade with broad central filling and short false edge; and a black leather scabbard with two brass clasps, including a top clasp with a button for wearing a leather belt and a brass pull end.

Officers and non-commissioned officers of the United States Marine Corps have carried swords since the American Revolutionary War. In the early years it is believed that the swords of the naval NCOs were based on army designs, although not necessarily exactly the swords used by the Army NCOs.

About the mid-1820s, however, naval sergeants began using distinctive short swords with cast brass pommels and curved blades. Around the same time, in 1826, naval officers also began using a strange new Mameluke-style sword similar to the one used today.

In 1859, a completely new sword pattern was introduced for naval officers, who were instructed to use the same sword used by army infantry officers from 1850 onwards. Also in 1859, the NCOs of the Marine Corps adopted a similar sword, so that the swords carried by the officers and NCOs of the marines seemed to be of almost the same design and features. Although the Navy NCO version was similar to the Navy officer version, it had several differences. Among the most notable, non-commissioned officers' swords had plain brass hilts and pommels, while officers' hilts and pommels were usually gilded. The hilts of non-commissioned officers' swords were also wrapped in leather, while the hilts of officers' swords were usually covered with sharkskin. Finally, the non-commissioned officers scabbard had only two scabbard attachments, consisting of a frog stud and a butt-pointed upper attachment, while the scabbard had three attachments, including an upper and middle support with bearing rings.

Used by Marine NCOs since 1859, the sword was carried during the American Civil War. With minor modifications since then, it has retained its distinctive and traditional appearance. Although the Naval Officer's Sword is older (1852), it was discontinued until it was reintroduced in the 20th century. The M1859 Marine Sword is the oldest weapon in continuous (continuous) service still in the US inventory. Model 1859 Navy NCO swords were originally equipped with heavy, broad blades similar in shape and weight to those commonly found on Army M1850 foot officer swords.

But unlike the blades of army officers, the blades of early naval swords were polished to a shine, but not engraved. The engraved designs familiar to naval officers' swords were introduced in the Regulations of 1875 and have been standard equipment on naval swords ever since. In the same year 1875, naval officers were again allowed to use their traditional Mameluke swords, which had been discontinued since 1859. At some point after 1875, Marine NCOs used swords with carrying rings attached to the buckle of the buckle. a sword belt, as opposed to the traditional sliding frog stud attachment; this practice ended during World War II and was not continued. The only subsequent change that significantly affected naval gunners occurred in 1918, when uniform regulations required that the blade width be reduced to today's narrow dimensions.

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.

M 1850 Army Staff & Field Officers Sword

1850 Army Staff and Field Officers The sword was worn by all members of staff units, artillery and infantry field officers, light artillery field officers, staff officers and auxiliaries between 1850 and 1872.

Although other swords were permitted by regulation, this design was the most popular officer's sword during the American Civil War. During the Antebellum years, many Confederate officers, including General Robert E. Lee, carried this sword in Indian campaigns. Although swords were reserved for officers of the rank of major or above, there was nothing to prevent officers of any rank from owning swords. The sword of the staff and field officers is different from the sword of the foot officers of 1850.

M 1840 Light Artillery Saber

The Model 1840 Light Artillery Sword was a sword approximately 42 inches long with a curved single-edged blade and an iron scabbard. The American Model 1840 Light Artillery Sword has a brass hilt and hilt spring about 6 inches long, a leather-wrapped hilt bound with brass wire, and a  32.25 inch long blade. Unlike the Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry Sabre, the Artillery model does not have a hull.

This model was one of  many guns produced by the Ames Manufacturing Company. in Springfield (later Chicopee), Massachusetts. The design appears to be a copy of the French sword style from 1829. Wheeled artillery units followed the dragoons to give them  more firepower. The main weapon of the radar artillery was their cannons. The saber was more of a traditional piece of equipment than a combat weapon. This is proven by the fact that Ames produced far fewer 1,840 light cannon sabers than  soldiers in the field of artillery.

This saber has a flat brass hilt, a black leather grip wrapped with brass wire, and a steel scabbard. Its slightly shorter but steeper curved blade and single brass fingertip spring set this sword apart from similar cavalry models. French versions can be distinguished from American versions by the absence of French manufacturers and American markings.

M 1840 Cavalry Saber

The army sword 1840 Cavalry Saber was based on the French hussar's sabre model 1822. Unlike its successor, the Light Cavalry Saber of 1860, the M1840 has a spine around the quill, a wire-wrapped leather grip (rather than grooves cut into the wooden grip), and a flat, curved neck. It is 44 inches long with a 35-inch blade and weighs about 2.5 pounds

The M1840 was designed for slashing and was nicknamed the "old wrist breaker" because of its heavy flat rear blade. It was introduced because the military was not satisfied with its predecessor, the Model 1833 Dragoon Sabre, the first cavalry saber used by the US Army.

The iron-hilt ed M1833 was based on a Napoleonic-era British sword used by heavy cavalry that was said to "wrap around a man's head like rubber, and is only fit for cutting butter." General Philip used an ornate gilded version of this earlier sword. Sheridan during the Civil War; Sheridan's scabbard was engraved with battles in which he participated. It was obvious that a replacement was needed, so in 1838 the US Department of Ordnance purchased British, French and Prussian swords and field tested them. Soldiers mostly preferred the French sword, and a copy of it began to be produced in 1844. A total of 2,000 were ordered and by 1846 there were 600 at the front.

The 1840 saber was used by the American cavalry during the Mexican-American War. Ames de Cabot Ville, Horstmann and Tiffany were the main contractors, but as the sword required was large, SandK made them in Germany and at least 1,000 were imported. Alternatively, some soldiers used Prussian sabers, which unlike the M1840 had straight blades.

When production ceased in 1858, more than 23,700 examples had been made. It continued to be issued to the Union Cavalry during the American Civil War because it was more readily available than the M1860 in the early years. George B. McClellan carried one in front, holding the sword of his pursuing officer in full dress. The Confederacy also employed many, including General Nathan Bedford Forrest, who sharpened both edges of the sword to increase combat effectiveness.

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.

Model 1832 Foot Artillery Sword

The Model 1832 Foot Artillery Sword was a 25-inch (64 cm) short sword with a straight double-edged blade and a brass-mounted leather scabbard.

The American Model 1832 Foot Artillery Sword has a 6-inch (15 cm) solid brass hilt, a 4-inch (10 cm) crossguard, and a typically 19-inch (48 cm) long blade. This design was the first sword commissioned by the United States with the Ames Manufacturing Company of Springfield (later Chicopee), Massachusetts, beginning production in 1832. In later years it was also imported and supplied by W.H. Horstmann and Sons of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

As a personal weapon, it was intended for use by regular or infantry regiments of the United States Army and remained in service until 1872 for infantrymen. This was a sword designed for sergeants and musicians of infantry regiments between 1832 and 1840. As most artillery regiments were trained and equipped as infantry before 1861, one gun for both units made sense. It replaced the earlier Starr sword used in the 1820s. Although the design was impractical in actual combat, it is believed that gunners used the weapon for other purposes, such as clearing brush or creating tracks. It was an effective tool for cutting trails in the Florida swamps during the Second Seminole War when it was issued to infantry sergeants, drummers and pipers. This is somewhat reinforced by the French nickname coupe choux (cabbage cutter) for their sword version.

The last Ames contract for this sword was in 1862, although it remained in the company's catalogs for decades to come. The design was based on the French infantry short sword of 1816, which was basically repeated in 1831 with small changes. The French design was based on the Roman gladius, the standard sword of Roman legionaries.

The French versions can be distinguished from the American ones by the grip pattern, the manufacturer's marks (French manufacturers include Châtellerault, St. Etienne, Talabot and Thiebaut), and the absence of American markings. Swords supplied by Ames usually had an eagle on the blade until the Mexican-American War, while swords produced in Confederate arsenals during the Civil War were usually unmarked. The Ames Model 1832 has a grip with a molded eagle and scale grip. The French versions have either patterned grips (model 1816) or ring grips (model 1831) and, like the later English models, the grip has a plain or smooth edge.

United States Swords

The sword has a proud history as part of the US military. Although fencing in particular may be more widely associated with Europe, it is still true that fencing has long been an integral part of the American military. In America's founding, guns were the weapon of choice.

George Washington famously used a battle sword about three feet long with a slightly curved blade while leading soldiers during the Revolutionary War. President Teddy Roosevelt famously carried the sword when he led the Rough Riders to attack the mountains before assuming the highest office in the land.

Members of the cavalry actually received swords, in fact the sword was the weapon of choice for mounted soldiers. It was not until the 1920s that the US cavalry discontinued full-sized swords as combat weapons.

Although swords are no longer strictly used for combat duties, many types of swords are still used for much more dignified tasks, everything from installing officers to weddings. In fact, most military personnel carry ceremonial swords, and sword training is part of officer training.

Some of the most famous American swords:

1. 1832 Foot Artillery Sword _{click here}
2. 1840 NCO (Noncommissioned Officers) Sword _{click here}
3. 1840 Cavalry Saber _{click here}
4. 1840 Light Artillery Saber _{click here}
5. 1850 Army Staff & Field Officers Sword _{click here}
6. 1852 Naval Officers Sword _{click here}
7. U.S. Marine NCOs (noncommissioned officers) sword _{click here}
8. U.S. Navy M1860 cutlass _{click here}
9. 1860 Light Cavalry Saber _{click here}
10. 1902 Army Officers Sword _{click here}
11. 1913 Cavalry Saber _{click here}
12. West Point Cadets Sword _{click here}