Swords

[major bill]

In the years leading up to the Civil War the militias and the army were issuing many swords. Other that as a badge of rank and of some use to the cavalry, were swords worth the money spent on acquiring them? How often did an NCOs or a musicians use their swords during the Civil War? The musician swords and artillery swords also seen very little use. It seems like a waste of money to have purchased most of these swords.

 

[Private Watkins]

In the years leading up to the Civil War the militias and the army were issuing many swords. Other that as a badge of rank and of some use to the cavalry, were swords worth the money spent on acquiring them? How often did an NCOs or a musicians use their swords during the Civil War? The musician swords and artillery swords also seen very little use. It seems like a waste of money to have purchased most of these swords.

Perhaps, but from today's perspective, personally, I really love the pre-war miltia swords... I think some of them are really gorgeous...

 

[Patrick H]

Perhaps, but from today's perspective, personally, I really love the pre-war miltia swords... I think some of them are really gorgeous...
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I agree completely and I have enjoyed seeing these examples. That said, I cannot answer the specific question in the original post. It's a good, thought-provoking question, though.

 

[Package4]

Swords for musicians and NCOs were largely ornamental, but required for dress parade along with the NCO red sash and the like. Based upon what we find in the field, while metal detecting, it is obvious that they were rarely used in the field or in battle. Line officers, of course used them to great effect, since the din of battle rendered the verbal command virtually useless, the officer would use his sword to help demonstrate commands and desire direction.

Many of the musician and NCO swords that survive are in such great shape that it is fairly obvious that they were kept in trunks far from action.