Richard E. Schenk
Corporal
- Joined
- Mar 21, 2016
- Location
- Northern Virginia
Charlie Cureton, who together with David Sullivan authored the book "The Civil War Uniforms of the United States Marine Corps: The Regulations of 1859", tells us the M1840 NCO-style swords manufactured with no rear counterguards are Civil War era USMC M1859 musicians' swords. He notes care must be taken in identifying them as such since the Army directed the removal of the rear counterguard from many NCO swords after the CW, however under close examination, traces of the removal can be seen. I have encountered two swords which seem to show the Army may have used M1840 MCO swords manufactured without counterguards.
The first sword, which appears in the late Kevin Hoffman's eBook. "Swords of Honor", was inscribed to Sergeant J. L. Mulliken of the 44th Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia (MVM) and dated September 23rd 1862. Its blade bears the Clauberg maker's name and standing-knight trade mark.
The second is a sword I just purchased which was presented to Sergeant E. McElroy of the 9th Regiment MVM and dated June 16th 1866. It bears no maker or retailer marks.
My question is whether the ordinary NCOs of the MVM (or any other Army unit for that matter) were issued uninscribed versions of the M1840 NCO sword manufactured with no rear counterguard. If they were, it could make it difficult to attribute such swords to the Marine Corps. The Marines may have used them, but if the Army did as well, attribution could be difficult.
If any Forum members have information on this topic, I would appreciate hearing about it. Do any members have or know of other M1840 NCO-style swords, inscribed or uninscribed, manufactured with no rear counterguard? Does anyone have any contemporary photos showing wear of such swords? Any documentary evidence? Thanks.
The first sword, which appears in the late Kevin Hoffman's eBook. "Swords of Honor", was inscribed to Sergeant J. L. Mulliken of the 44th Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia (MVM) and dated September 23rd 1862. Its blade bears the Clauberg maker's name and standing-knight trade mark.
The second is a sword I just purchased which was presented to Sergeant E. McElroy of the 9th Regiment MVM and dated June 16th 1866. It bears no maker or retailer marks.
My question is whether the ordinary NCOs of the MVM (or any other Army unit for that matter) were issued uninscribed versions of the M1840 NCO sword manufactured with no rear counterguard. If they were, it could make it difficult to attribute such swords to the Marine Corps. The Marines may have used them, but if the Army did as well, attribution could be difficult.
If any Forum members have information on this topic, I would appreciate hearing about it. Do any members have or know of other M1840 NCO-style swords, inscribed or uninscribed, manufactured with no rear counterguard? Does anyone have any contemporary photos showing wear of such swords? Any documentary evidence? Thanks.
Bringing the