1840 NCO sword review. 1840 NCO sword manufacturer comparison chart. 1840 Army NCO Civil War sword-info and history. Where to buy 1840 NCO swords.
1840 sword summary
1840 NCO sword was carried by sergents during the Mexican American war and the Civil War. A shorter version of the 1840 NCO sword was caried by musicians. The swords were primarily made by the AMES manufacturing co. Most of the time the blades were blut rather than sharp. They were discontinued in 1875.
1840 NCO sword is awesome gift for veterans.
1840 NCO Sword history
The Model 1840 Noncommissioned Officers’ Sword was based on a German version of the infantry sword used by British troops during the Napoleonic Wars. The sword had a 31-inch blade, a cast brass hilt resembling the more expensive wire-wrapped leather grips, and a leather scabbard rather than the steel used by cavalry troopers and officers.
It was carried by sergeants during the Mexican–American War, and the American Civil War it 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 musician’s sword. NCOs of shorter stature and cadets also carried this variant. Other ranks allowed to carry it included Sergeant-major, Quartermaster, Ordnance Sgt, Hospital Steward, Corporal (as an optional item) and Pioneer.
Many were very badly made with a blunt edge but still effective in combat, the primary contractor seems to have been the Ames Manufacturing Company, it could be used like an iron club to break bones. 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.
The M1840 has had a long service life, seeing frontline service from the Mexican War until the Spanish-American War. in 1868 the ordnance board recommended that no more leather sword, or bayonet scabbards be purchased. so after the leather ones were used up, a black Japanned steel scabbard was substituted. along with a new pattern leather frog. It remained in service as a ceremonial weapon until general orders No. 77 dated August 6, 1875 discontinued its use. A modern version of this sword with steel scabbard is currently permitted for wear by US Army platoon sergeants and first sergeants; in practice it is rarely seen outside the 3rd Infantry Regiment and honor guards. Some Army NCOs have this sword and wear it for social occasions, regardless of duty as a platoon sergeant or first sergeant.
1840 NCO Swords review
Price range: USD65-129.
This sword is made by Windlass Steelcrafts and distributed by Museum Replicas. The sword is supplied in two versions: unsharp and sharp.
This is probably the best quality sword of the three models reviewed however it is nearly impossible to buy this sword because of nearly permanent often unavailability.
Pros: good quality.
Cons: higher price, often unavailabity.
This is probably the best option if we talk about price/quality and availability.
This sword is supplied with leather scabbard. The sword quality is slightly worse than quality of the previous models however its price is slightly higher than price of the better TS model.
This sword is an option if you cannot aquire the two swords described above.
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