US Military Swords, Sabers, and Navy Cutlasses
Their uses then and now
Military swords have served as necessary weapons for the Army s and Navy s of the world, for many centuries. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the shorter smallsword became an essential fashion accessory in European countries and the New World, and most wealthy men and military officers carried one. Prior to the First World War, these swords were a part of military uniforms for officers and enlisted personnel alike.
The first US Government contract for Military Swords was in 1798 and was awarded to a US manufacturer in Connecticut. Prior to the Civil War there was little need for US Military Swords. The US Government purchased relatively small orders for swords and cutlasses during the first half of the 19th century. These orders were placed with a variety of US manufacturers.
Beginning with the onset of the Civil War, the need for Military Swords and Navy Cutlasses increased tremendously. More than half the Swords made in the United States, were made between 1861 and 1866. The leading Sword manufacturer during this period was a Massachusetts Company, Ames Manufacturing Company.
All United States Military Officers continue to wear approved Swords for ceremonial purposes. The US Marine Corps Non Commissioned Officer is the only NCO, in the US Military, authorized to wear a sword as part of their uniform. The Marine NCO Sword is the oldest sword in continuous use, since 1859, and the US Air Force, the newest, since 1955. Photos and descriptions of these approved swords can be seen on http://www.militarydisplaysonline.com.
Following retirement, or separation, most Officer s Swords and Marine NCO Swords end up in a closet or a box in the attic. During the last several years, there have been a variety of devises available, for displaying Fantasy Swords and Asian Military Swords. Until recently, there has been little attention paid to the design and crafting of quality displays for US Military swords and Navy Cutlasses. There is now a small Spokane Valley, Washington company, www.militarydisplaysonline.com, dedicated to producing, and offering, custom displays for US Military Swords.
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