Civil War Manual of the Sword

Wondering how to wear your CW officer's sword, how to salute with it, and how to carry it? Cpt. Whitehall, officers a quick how-to so you can do it right. For more information on Berdan Sharpshooters and Civil War reenacting, check us out at www.2ndUSSS.com
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[@countercuIture]

It was awfully nice of you to time travel from the Civil War to teach us this! Have you found out what happened to Lincoln yet?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

He's alive and well!

[@collinnicolazzo2065]

​@@CompanyD2ndUSSSI was hoping to learn combative use

[@siestatime4638]

As you pointed out, a 2 pound bar of steel doesn't have to be sharp to do damage.

[@tusanity]

I do know that most cavalry swords are not sharpened but rather blunt.

[@0rang.utan.bananaman199]

Tusanity I’m almost certain that most cavalry swords were sharpened. Where did you hear that they were blunt?

[@ronaldrobertson2332]

@@0rang.utan.bananaman199 For the hobby, they're carried blunt for safety.

[@matthewpham9525]

I mean, it basically does... Getting hit with a blunt sword certainly won’t feel good, but it’s going to take a lot of effort to actually kill or wound someone without the point. Sharpness is the whole point of swords, they’re only blunted outside of combat.

[@ethanpayne1494]

I remember reading that everyone in the civil war complained that there swords were dull and it was near impossible to sharpen them

[@cblodg1]

Finally, seeing someone do the manual of the sword properly! Having just been promoted myself and learning the sword manual and proper ways to hang and carry make all the difference. While I'm low in the officer rank, I was able to get my fellow officers in a regional umbrella unit to stop doing the British style of present arms and sweeping the blades out. All I did was show them the manual and if you have The Carry down properly, then the whole fingernails to the front already happens. Trying to find a metal scabbard sword is so hard these days. I truly dislike my leather scabbard and want to find a sword with a metal scabbard.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Keep spreading the word! Personally trying to get my fellow line officers in our battalion to change their ways and understand how it is properly done among many other things. Out of curiosity, why don't you like the leather scabbard? Capt. Whitehall

[@cblodg1]

Company D 2nd USSS It’s really personal preference on the scabbard. The vast majority of original officer swords I have seen still have their metal scabbard. I also feel the metal is simply more durable feeling than the leather ones. I also did research on the type of sword carried by the original officers my unit portrays and they all had metal scabbard swords. There’s also just something satisfying about the sound the metal scabbard makes (just a quirk I guess). Lt. Blodgett

[@Nelson-rh7og]

cblodg1 look at fall creek sutlery and go to there swords section then scroll down till you see the m1850 foot officers sword that is were captain Whitehall believes that his sword was bought from. Then some​ were during the check out ( when you are buying the sword) i think it gives you the option of having a metal or leather scabbard.

[@wadedog4280]

Can the command present sword be given while at attention and sword still in scabbard or only after shoulder arms ?

[@Nelson-rh7og]

If i am not interrupting your day at all with these questions of mine i have two. One can y'all do a video on how to tie the officer's waist sash i would a assume it is the same for NCOs to. And did officers in the sharpshooters ever have to use there swords to protect them selves? Thanks😀

[@yankeedoodle7365]

I love these information videos with how to properly do things, and tips and I thank you for that.

[@ryanschuda735]

I believe there is some problems with how present is shown, for example, the hilt should be roughly shoulder-height on the first motion. My thought is that the reference to the arm being horizontal that you're thinking of may be from present - arms, of the musket manuals. If you have a reference for this for the sword though, I'd love to be informed. Otherwise, the rest of the video is good and discusses many of the reenactorisms of Officer's Swords.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

You are 100% correct. The hilt is to be just below the chin or at shoulder height which ever comes first. I must have gotten the rifle manual and sword manual mixed up at the same time, I'm still a rifleman at heart and still have trouble with those pesky swords. Capt.Whitehall

[@andrewgonzalez4230]

The USMC really tightens everything up for reasons explained.

[@brokenarrow2753]

Good to know those basic safety rules with swords and you look fantastic in that uniform! Thanks.

[@hamm6035]

I never knew that. Thanks for the demonstration. Glad your company keeps up with all of the details.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Details is what is often overlooked but when known and done right makes things SO much better!

[@1stminnsharpshooters341]

*LIKED* another find video Cpt. Whitehall

[@paulisaperson0516]

I’ve always been more of a broadsword guy. My first sword was the 1796 English heavy cavalry “bonecrusher” loved that thing

[@Anonymoususer44569]

Would it be possible if you could add links to the referenced photos so that we could see them? Thanks!

[@S.A.M.S.2017]

Great video!

[@seandahl8441]

I have seen a few photos of officers in parade rest leaning on their swords with the sword in front. Was that in the manual or just the fashion of the time.

[@Bluewolfdude]

Well done !

[@morten1975dk]

Very nice video. I'm looking for a replica sword. All ive seen so far is the windlass. But I'm not sure if that's any good? Is this one a windlass? Because it looks very nice..

[@Leman.Russ.6thLegion]

Is that a Windlass? I have one of those and an original 1850. I also have an 1845/55 french infantry saber. Very similar

[@alexandrovalentin9784]

Exelente instruction

[@wadedog4280]

Very good information. How does a lower rank officer while carrying a sword in the scabbard salute a higher rank officer or return a salute to a enlisted man also while carrying the sword unsheathed? New video ?

[@civilcoinman]

Will anyone from your company be at Gettysburg?

[@Nelson-rh7og]

Did officers foot officers in the sharpshooters/common infantry carry the m1860 and/or 1840 cavalry saber. And how common was this if so THANKS!☺

[@kidhammer2567]

Captain Whitehall, thank you for a fine presentation, sir.

[@Alex-kc3ex]

Veary good vid. I have a question. How ofthen did officer had to use their sword to defend themselvs? and if they really didn't what was the main reason for them to have a sword?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Darkythefox 100 while I'm not saying it didn't happen, I am sure it was fairly to extremely rare that infantry officers had to defend themselves with their sword. The main weapon of an infantry officers is their corps, division, brigade, regiment, company or platoon. They were supposed to effectively direct their men in firing their rifles on the enemy. That being said, officers carried swords and still do today in dress occasions as a sign or badge of their commission as an officer. Just one of those things from the time of chivalry where the gentleman carried weapons of finesse while the commoners carried easy to use weapons. Capt. Whitehall

[@jamesarmstrong7881]

Do you have the reference for sword manual? Great demo!

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Not exactly a "Manual" but a collection of manuals used to assist in how to use your sword properly. www.usvolunteers.org/units/second/MANUAL%20OF%20THE%20SWORD.pdf

[@thelonerider5644]

Love these videos thank you. Quick question... I visited the Fall creek sutler site and they mention their swords are not tempered. Would you know of a manufacturer that makes functional swords and sabres of this era that have decent accuracy in terms of appearance and handling and balance? Am looking (for instance) at some of the Windlass Co. swords, not sure of their quality in terms of historical accuracy tho...

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Sadly unless you either go the "custom route" and have someone make a sword to CW specs and they temper it OR if you buy an original sword from the Civil War. There have been some sword manufactures out there that have put out some amazing blades in the past but are usually held on to or when up for sale go VERY quickly.

[@thelonerider5644]

@@CompanyD2ndUSSS Thank you! That is sort of what I was afraid of...

[@jtnelson8828]

@@thelonerider5644 windlass steel crafts m1850 foot officers sword is very close to the originals and can be used to cut

[@thebeastman6668]

I need to learn the officer forward March on the double quick charge and line And retreat

[@cj_m2477]

Very interesting video. Thank you Capt. Whitehall

[@Nelson-rh7og]

Another vary informative video from Captain Whitehall. Do you know were the sword you own was bought from. I know it was a gift to you so you may not know but if you do it would be of great help!☺

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

James Nelson fairly certain it was Fall Creek Sutler. I think they run about $220

[@Nelson-rh7og]

Captain Whitehall thank you taking a little bit of your time to answer my question it was a big help! Keep up the great work! I hope to hit the field with you guys one day.

[@misterdanny8644]

Man you look fabulous.

[@koshersalt3233]

Would this apply to the musicians sword?

[@formam1022]

Question, is there any combat manuals from period? I am having trouble finding references to any

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Depends on what you're looking for. We didn't have field manuals like we do today for setting up ambush or Ranger manuals. Our combat manuals were Casey's and Hardees with a few others that were out there. Maybe the closest thing you'd be looking for would fall under skirmish instruction. It's actually really informative to talk to vets and go over the CW manuals and find similarities through translation. Let us know if we can help more.

[@thatchannel195]

Damn nice sword

[@tobbyhudson2743]

In the British army and Commonwealth tradition,presenting arm movement is by bringing the sword upward by the handguard is putted infront of your mouth just like act of kissing it and lowering it and bring it up again and hold it as usual in L-shaped arm with the sword pointing upward and we are not presenting sword like swinging it to your side.You can watch Trooping of the colour ceremony to watch how the officer doing it😁😁😁

[@brianrodrigues928]

If you’re left handed, are you authorized to wear your sword on the opposite side? I would imagine for uniformity purposes, drill & ceremony maneuvers would be conducted with the right hand, but how would it actually work in a combat scenario?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Swords would always have been worn left hip and drawn and carried in the right. Much like everything in the army at the time, was based off the right hand for manual of arms/sword. South paws just had to learn to adapt.

[@josefvenable8989]

What manual can I find evidence for the more restrained present arms using the sword? I was having this debate with another reenactor and both of us are basing it largely on word of mouth rather than direct evidence.

[@danielkohli1542]

The book "A New System of Sword Exercise, with a Manual of The Sword For Officers, [...]" by Matthew J. O'Rourke. The page 19 covers this and has an illustration. The 1864 fieldartillery manual covers it also, and any cavalry tactics manual has to cover it.

[@jimmymchugh8305]

Manassas my home, stupid but sincere question, 30,000 in the latrines.... How polluted was bull run (area)? And for how long? Never thought about it until I saw this video - but clearly it was a major problem

[@larkburford6590]

How did Generals Meade and Sherman salute, I believe while on horseback, the President at the Grand Review?

[@lemon_stuff2475]

salutee

[@jtnelson8828]

Does this manual apply to nco swords also?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Slightly different on the present arms portion. Definitely hoping to get a video of it done for the NCO sword.

[@jtnelson8828]

@@CompanyD2ndUSSS looking forward to it!

[@Coolgamer-be3gg]

How would you carry a sword or sabre like on infantry parade without the hannging hoop?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

While marching the scabbard can be used on the sword while at the cary (shoulder arms, right shoulder shift and arms port for the rifle carriers). If on parade of a regiment or battalion I am not 100% on that but would suggest going to order arms with it when not at the shoulder or just cary the scabbard in the left hand and just go through the motions as normal. A side note to build wrist strength when at the cary for the sword, keep the scabbard on and practice going from order arms to cary (shoulder arms) about 20 times a day... trust me it works.

[@Coolgamer-be3gg]

@@CompanyD2ndUSSS Thank you. I am part of the SCV ( Sons of Confedrate Veterans) and I have the General Granbury parade tomarow.

[@Nelson-rh7og]

Were did you get your green (sharpshooter) officer shoulder boards from i have looked for them but cannot find them. Thanks!😃

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

James Nelson I got mine from NJ Sekela. Sadly he's no longer making them.

[@Nelson-rh7og]

Company D 2nd USSS would it be incorrect if i had the green officers frock (because i am a sharpshooter officer) and light blue infantry shoulder boards. THANK You!

[@markzimmerman7279]

@@Nelson-rh7og they showed sharpshooter uniform in a Gettysburg collection where uniform and rank insignia were originally blue and dyed green

[@wesleycantrell332]

So my dad has a sword from his days in the US Marine Corps. Can I carry his sword because it is a family heirloom that has been passed down to me as of 3 weeks ago.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Officer or NCO?

[@wesleycantrell332]

@@CompanyD2ndUSSS NCO

[@michaelhammond6899]

Where are you out of?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Washington State

[@jackieallison1163]

I seriously wonder did officers use their swords as weapons? If not what was the sword actually used for in the civil war?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

It mostly would have been cavalry to use their swords and sabers as weapons. There are a few accounts of swords being used as weapons by the infantry but they are far from the norm of fighting. Swords with officers have mostly been a badge of authority and... well... office they hold. An officers main weapon would range from the 50 man platoon up to a generals corps or even army. If an officer had to use his pistol or sword as a weapon to defend himself, something had drastically gone wrong.

[@matthewpham9525]

@@CompanyD2ndUSSS What about during charges? We see them a bunch in movies, but how often were they carried out? Building on that, how often would sabers be used in these?

[@Joe_Friday]

So are your swords not sharp because you're reenacting or are they not sharp due to the same reasons the cavalry sabers were not sharp?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Officer swords weren't sharp mostly due to the fact that it is a status symbol before a weapon. While there may be some accounts of infantry officers using their swords as such in combat it is absolutely rare. A officers true weapon is his corps down to the company, if you wind up having to use a sword, a lot has gone terribly wrong.

[@sqike001ton]

I think the point direction with the sword is actually a British thing

[@ToyotaTechnical]

Ah yes, the true concern: his knuckles, knees and shins. Not any other place.

[@TBullCajunbreadmaker]

You said that YOUR sword wasn't sharp but the tip could do a lot of damage. I am assuming you do not keep the edge of your sword sharp because it is a lot safer than to have a razor sharp sword and you are never going to actually use your sword in the actual battles you re-enact. I think that is a good practice and all who carry swords in the re-enactments should adhere to that safety standard. I will say however that when the civil war was going on or at any other time in history that a sword was used in battle that they were sharpened to as sharp as they could be sharpened. A dull sword will not perform as well as a sword that is as sharp as you can make it. A very sharp sword was a devastating weapon and a swordsman did not have to put as much force into a sword stroke to do a tremendous amount of damage. A sword is made to slice, not to chop unless it was a great sword with a straight blade. Those were two handed swords and were for different purposes. A one handed sword is a much more finely used instrument that you really had to be taught how to use in a battle of one on one swordsmanship. A gentleman who carried a sword usually had some training from an expert teacher.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

With most if not all officers swords they were dulled. It wasn't a primary weapon for a officer to use in combat but more of a sign and badge of office. If a officer had to use his sword in combat, there must have been a failure of leadership. Colonels have a regiment to use as a weapon and captains have a company as a weapon. That being said, if it came down to cold steel and a sword was needed, someone messed up.