An Original American Civil War Sergeant's Sword

Cast brass hilt shell guard and single edged blade. A good example of the swords used by the Union infantry in the American Civil War. M1840 NCO swords. The sword replaced a weapon more commonly known as the Model 1832 foot artillery sword which was used by both the infantry and the artillery regiments from 1832 to 1840. Its wearing was granted to all sergeant ranks until it came out of use in 1875. Additionally first sergeants and above would wear a waist sash from 1821 to 1872. The sword was worn either on a white or black baldric or with an Enfield bayonet frog. A shorter version with a 26-inch blade was carried by musicians, this was called the Model 1840 musicians' sword.

The M1840 has had a long service life, seeing frontline service from the Mexican–American War to the American Civil War until the Spanish–American War. During the Civil War it wasn't always issued to volunteer regiments.

The primary contractor for the production of the M1840 NCO sword seems to have been the Ames Manufacturing Company. The weapon was made with a blunt edge as it was intended for stabbing rather than slashing (as in the case of a curved cavalry sabre). It was the main weapon of standard bearers (along with the Colt Army Model 1860 and Colt 1851 navy revolver) and hospital stewards, as well as a secondary weapon for infantry NCOs. The sword was also used by the Confederates who captured many after seizing state arsenals. 32.5 inch blade no scabbard

Code: 23477