US Civil War M1840 NCO sword (spadroon) - Good or BAD?

The American spadroon! The US M1840 NCO's sword of the Civil War.
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[@gatling216]

Clunky yet robust is pretty much the US military's operating principle even to this day. Everything is built thick and sturdy on the off chance it'll end up in the hands of a Marine.

[@sheldoniusRex]

Underrated comment.

[@gotshpilkes]

That needed to be said.

[@DapperDoughboy]

That’s why 90% of infantrymen buy their own personal shit instead of relying on Army-Issued equipment. It’s absolute garbage.

[@procinctu1]

“Military Grade” is not a positive to service-members…

[@vullom29]

🙄

[@michaelsmith8028]

With every video Matt looks more and more like a sergeant you'd see in Sharpe or any film about the Napoleonic wars.

[@scholagladiatoria]

Don't worry, I have finally managed to have a shave now.

[@texasbeast239]

@@scholagladiatoria I stopped in 2020 JAN. Getting in touch with my inner dwarf.

[@charles2703]

@@scholagladiatoria The fact that you don’t grow a muttonstache is a tragedy.

[@thatchannel195]

@@scholagladiatoria mark strong

[@dexterbelmain589]

Ah, Yes. The 1815 pattern Superdry Japan uniform is so iconic 😁

[@thezieg]

N.B. In cavalry matters, the relationship between France and the US remained as tight as ever even after 1870. Exchanges between Saumur and Fort Riley continued until 1947.

[@beowulfshaeffer8444]

Yes, Patton said of the US Cavalry 1914 saber manual, "it is an almost verbatim copy of the new French manual and I spent six month practicing it and even instructing it in France." (April, 1917. The Present Saber- Its Form and the Use for which it was Designed)

[@thezieg]

@@beowulfshaeffer8444 Patton was correct. I have both manuals, have trained in them, and the work is nearly identical. I have done the same with the riding manuals and come to the same conclusion.

[@gottfriedosterbach3907]

Yes, great comment. There is the matter that there are gun shows here in the US that used to have heaps of swords from this era and usually quite inexpensive. Last time I was in the UK there seemed to be a huge interest in the American Civil War, so point is supply and demand both CHECK.

[@pa1adin111]

It's nice to see an American sword on your show. I'd really like to see you do a review of a US M 1913 Patton sword.

[@mallardtheduck406]

very modern for it's time , especially with the Olive drab, saber guard, and Olive Drab scabbard. the checkered grip reminds me of Spanish 19th sabres.

[@13579hee]

Do you know if Black Soldiers used swords during the Civil war and if so, what kind?

[@Strawberry-12.]

@@13579hee black ncos were probably armed with this sword, and possibly some Calvary men had sabers

[@jacobjones4766]

@@13579hee black Sargent would've carried this sword. Officerd would've carried an m1850 pattern. The African american cavalry unit used the m1840 cavalry sabre, m1833 dragoon sabre or an m1860 light cavalry saber. There were many other swords for artillery and naval units but African Americans wouldn't be allowed to join those branches until after ww1

[@lwj2]

@@13579hee Their NCOs would have been issued that sword.

[@Daveed56]

I've owned quite a number of these over the years, they can be found with the inboard guard either folded down or completely removed, they chafed the uniform and were aukward to carry. Never have seen one service sharpened. There is also a musician version with slightly shorter blade and no kidney guards. Scabbards were either brass mounted leather or darkened copper clad iron with brass mounts.

[@glenlivett78]

I wonder if that was by design, opinions differ but bear in mind the intended users of these weapons would have enlisted soldiers (often of a militia background rather than professional soldiers) therefore not very likely to have had any substantial fencing training. A heavier, clunkier blade more adept to be used by a novice to deflect a clumsy bayonet thrust rather than go blade to blade with a skilled swordsman with wilkersons finest blade might be preferable no?

[@nickaschenbecker9882]

@@glenlivett78 these kind of swords were used more against Native Americans than they were British soldiers, especially right after the Revolution when we were no longer bound by the will of King George and pushed west into the Ohio territory and beyond. A sturdier sword would, indeed, have made more sense for that application. But militiamen were expected to supply their own gear which usually consisted of a duck gun and some kind of large patch knife. It wasn't until after St. Clair's misadventure that America adopted a standing army under Mad Anthony Wayne. That's when regulation equipment like this started popping up. 1812, our war with Mexico and the Civil War saw more sword use against other swords but, by and large, the American Army from 1791 until the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890 primarily used its equipment against Native Americans who rarely, if ever, used swords. Private duels are another matter, though-particularly in the American South. An Englishman by the name of Andrew Steinmetz, with regard to dueling in 1868, commented that America was “the country where life is cheaper than anywhere else.” And I don't mean pistols, no, Americans loved a good swordfight.

[@varframppytwobtokwanguz2286]

In the first episode of the Ken Burns Civil War documentary, there's a still shot of someone with a sword posing in a fighting position with someone aiming a gun at them (if I remember correctly.) It's in the montage about Union camp life. You get a sense of the stance.

[@conanbarbarian4348]

I’ve been waiting years for a video about a us civil war sword from you

[@ditzydoo4378]

I have the Model 1840 NCO sword that was given to me when I became a Platoon Sergeant, United States Army by my great uncle who had carried it as a Platoon Sergeant in 1931. The sword is still carried by select NCOs (Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant and Sergeant Major) in command of massed troop formations for Full-Dress parade, and or ceremonial use to this day. I concur, it is heavier than one would think with that very tough robust blade. The original Scabbard is black leather-bound wood with brass trim. What's rather funny is that the Ames Company, was at the time of your sword, was the single largest US sword maker. It is in fact a Tool company that made plows during the early US history. They are still in business making hand tools such as shovels. I guess they prove the reverse of the old saying. "They beat their Plowshares into Swords"... As to length of active use, I've seen both photos and paintings of this model being carried during the Spanish-American war in Cuba by the American expeditionary force.

[@nickaschenbecker9882]

Ames has a really interesting history. It's not untypical, though. You see a lot of historical revolver manufacturers, for instance, making bicycles. Remington is equally known for typewriters (they standardized the QWERTY keyboard) and razors. Diversification is always the path to financial security. Wilkinson is also equally known for swords as well as razors. They're sold under the Gillette brand here in the U.S.

[@johnracine4589]

Ames was making shovels for the US military as well IIRC. The brewery in Easton, MA (where the Ames family had their mansion) is called “Shoveltown” because of this.

[@ditzydoo4378]

@@johnracine4589 thank you for "digging into" those facts. ^~^

[@johnracine4589]

@@ditzydoo4378 I was glad to shovel this knowledge onto you!

[@robertpatter5509]

I have a reproduction one by Windlass. It's an 1840 NCO sword. Sold by Therion Arms. It weighs 1lb 14.8 oz. And it's a 31 3/4" long blade. It's only $170. With a metal scabbard. The point is pretty good. However,the edge needs to be sharpened.

[@tomhalla426]

The US military started out with large numbers of French muskets, and presumably other weapons. The Springfield muskets were based on a French pattern.

[@brycepatties]

Obviously owing to France being the first foreign power to recognize the US as an independent nation.

[@tomhalla426]

@@brycepatties I have seen reporting on military inventories for the early 1800’s, and they still had French military aid muskets in inventory

[@vonmazur1]

Matt: These were sized to fit the individual NCO. They are found with varying blade lengths. A short one might feel better to you. I have owned long, short and medium examples of this weapon.

[@samuelhope6817]

I’ve noticed length of the fuller can also sometimes later. I have the musicians version on the way with a fuller that stops a little over a foot before the point. The standard fuller goes all the way to the tip I believe. Any suggestions as to why mine would’ve different?

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

@@samuelhope6817 Who was the manufacturer and what was the year? The fullers on examples I own terminate 3 inches from the tip and were manufactured by Ames in 1864.

[@jaysblades]

Funny story, I actually sought out a spadroon replica (and ended up with a Windlass 1840 NCO) because I heard they were Matt's favorite sword design... Not knowing it was a fairly well documented meme. At least I didn't spend too much!

[@kevingooley9628]

How do you like the Windlass 1840?

[@jaysblades]

@@kevingooley9628 It seems well made for the price. Evidently the only things so far that have caused me a raised eyebrow were endemic to the historical design.

[@listenup455]

"Clunky but robust" can describe a lot of American cutlery up to a point.

[@SlavicCelery]

When you still have large predators and massive wild herbivores...sturdy is an excellent quality.

[@gregtheredneck1715]

I can see a sword made by Ames being on the heavy side. They made just about everything including artillery for the Union during the Civil War. It's not surprising to find out there are a lot of them on the antique sword market. Thousands were made during the war years and simply never used. The battlefield of the American Civil War was ruled by cannon, the minie ball, and to a lesser extent, the bayonet. The rare swords of the period are the ones of the Confederacy, they are also some of the ugliest.

[@stephenballard3759]

My maternal grandmother's great grandfather carried that model sword for the Union during the Civil War. We have two of his swords; one saw heavy field carry, has some damage and scuffs, corrosion, it's missing part of the guard, and has no scabbard. The other we suppose was a "dress" sword, and has only a scuff of rust on the down-side edge of the steel scabbard. The grip was partially wrapped part way with a blue cord. He was actually Canadian, but enlisted in the US Army, saw multiple actions, and became a Sgt. by the end of the war, serving in a regiment from Western Pennsylvania and Ohio (I can't remember the numbers, darn it). After the war, he pioneered into Alberta, and the family is still there, farming wheat.

[@glenlivett78]

JUst a side note, that is still the official U.S Army NCO sword today. However, the eight years I was on active duty I think I saw them used in official functions 3 times.

[@jamesfrankiewicz5768]

Outside of the Old Guard (3rd Infantry Regiment), it's very, very unusual to see these. AR 670-1 mentions them and how to wear them, but that's as close as most troops will ever get to one.

[@glenlivett78]

@@jamesfrankiewicz5768 yeah when I went through PLDC (warrior leaders course to all you wee babes) the honor grad got one presented to him, sadly they are made by windless in India these days and not made to a fighting standard when compared to the originals.

[@meltedplasticarmyguy]

To be fair, us Americans are not really known for finesse. Somewhere in our limited history, we had equated that bigger is better and ran with it. For the most part, we would take a foreign invention or concept and attempt to improve upon it, not really understanding the original or if improvement is really needed, so we just blunder our way through. Sometimes we just happen to get lucky.

[@LiqnLag]

Like Hiram Maxim's little toy.

[@UtahSustainGardening]

Wonderful! A month or two ago I asked for an occasional American weapon and you came through with a tomahawk and now an NCO sword.... Thank you!

[@brandon7482]

I just bought one online from 1863. My Gr Gr Gr grandfather was an NCO (non commissioned officer) in the 11th Indiana Cavalry in the Civil War.

[@mrrockso117]

How much? That's awesome

[@procinctu1]

Once again, professional, clear, and excellent presentation. Thank you Sir!

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

I own two of these also made in 1864 by Ames. This pattern is still the regulation US Army NCO sword to this day ( we actually used one in our recent brigade CSM change of responsibility ceremony). There were other variations of this pattern. The USMC version had a folding shell guard and the musician variant had no shell guards at all. The Ames examples I own have a 32 inch blade length and weigh 800 about grams with a point of balance just under 4 inches. They are very robust as Matt explained above with a distal taper that ranges from 8.3mm to 3mm at fuller termination. The cut and thrust military swordsmanship practiced by the US military at the time did not train a lot on point work especially in the enlisted ranks so it makes sense that they produced a robust NCO sword that can cut a little better than a typical spadroon. Officers that trained at the service academies had much more instruction in fencing as part of their education. The spadroon that staff and general grade officers carried during the Civil War was the Model 1860 Staff and Field Officers sword that typically weighed only 550 grams and was more suitable for point centric fencing than the M1840 NCO sword.

[@michaelsmith8028]

Why were spadroons developed when a sidesword like sword would have been better? Or was it just, because the officers were used to smallsword techniques?

[@scholagladiatoria]

Smallswords were carried by infantry officers for many years of the 1700s, so yes, they are essentially a militarized version of a smallsword. If you're going to be 75%+ relying on the point, and so might your opponent, then a light and nimble blade works best. Sideswords had to be able to fight against things like longswords and halberds.

[@michaelsmith8028]

@@scholagladiatoria Thank you for clearing that up.

[@mallardtheduck406]

My Uncle worked for the Ames shovel and tools company. He told me they made machetes for WWII. I am Assuming that this was a company that started with swords, then went to handbools. MC Lilley in Columbus , Ohio, several dress sword companies were located in Ohio...e.g. Knight's of Columbus.

[@robmccann1607]

Ames were a major sword manufacturer in the pre US Civil War period.

[@mallardtheduck406]

@@robmccann1607 Yes, they were, I believe there were blockades from getting French sabres into the hands of the Confederacy...Confederate swords are much scarce than Union swords.

[@jjgriffin100]

I happened upon your wonderful channel. Your knowledge and ability to communicate are both exceptional.

[@briannicholas2757]

I have one of these in my sword collection, it is dated 1863 and made by C. Roby and Sons. Unfortunately I do not have the scabbard, as it was leather over wood with brass fittings, which tended not to last. Roby was a big manufacturer, but not nearly as big as Ames. Fun fact, a few years ago Ames started back up with producing swords, including this model, however I don't think they are still in the sword business nowadays. Having graduated from Norwich University, a military academy here in New England, as you might guess, swords were very common for parades and such. I had a fascination with swords then ,as I do now, and I remember being told that Civil War era NCOs carried these on the field mainly as a way to direct troops in battle lines, and were carried by the color guard as a sort of last ditch weapon to protect the colors. Most NCOs preferred not to carry a sword in combat, as it readily identified them to snipers. They preferred to carry a rifle with bayonet and also a revolver. Although each regiment differed I'm sure. In today's army, they are primarily only carried by senior NCOs, such as Sergeants First Class, First Sergeants, Sergeants Major etc., and then only for dress parades. I also know that NCOs that are permitted to carry them, may carry an historical sword, such as my 1863 C. Roby. I was a "big brother" to a boy who eventually enlisted in the US Army and seved in both Iraq and Afghanistan and achieved the rank of buck sergeant. I planned on gifting him this sword, with a new scabbard, once he reached the rank of Sergeant First Class, however he was wounded in Afghanistan by a roadside bomb, so in typical modern us army fashion, since their toy was broken they got rid of him even though he wanted to stay in.

[@Brospokenerd424]

My grandfather owned one of these, very nice to learn more about it.

[@GaldirEonai]

Presumably somebody took a good long look at the american NCOs of the era and then went "yeah, let's make it a bit stronger".

[@antonjae645]

I have a swedish sword that looks very similar to this sword. The handle and pommel are pretty much identical to this. Very interesting.

[@jonathanyaeger2289]

I’d love to see a spadroon cutting test. How does “not well” translate in practice? Is that 50% the depth of a comparable saber? Do water bottles bounce off of it?

[@beowulfshaeffer8444]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIDZmHmsZrpkbaM

[@joshtiscareno1312]

A spadroon might inflict a small, nasty cut. At best, you might inflict a nasty gash or mangle somebody's fingers. A saber, on the other hand, can remove arms, legs, and heads. Broadly speaking, a saber is really not much different than a katana, except that it is for strictly one-handed use and has better hand protection. There's a reason sabers (and related swords) became one of the most popular sword types on the planet; THEY WORK. Military small swords and spadroons were more of a symbol of rank than a proper battlefield weapon and there were mainly intended to serve a defensive role instead of the offensive role of the saber. They traded lethality to become smaller and lighter, and so they wouldn't get in the way as much.

[@bluesdad54]

@@joshtiscareno1312 2A

[@bluesdad54]

Sorry about that, Josh. Mistaken typing.

[@thraxhunter1450]

From my experience, my NCO sword struggled greatly to draw cut any materials. It felt like it was much more useful as a heavy narrow steel bar to smack a target with percussive force.

[@greyvr4336]

I've never touched a 'real' one of these, but I have the windlass replica. The replica feels like the steel isn't good, but the balance is magnificent. I really, really like the feel of it, though I wouldn't trust it for cutting, which puts it in a weird place. Usually a replica sword either seems solid and well balanced, or isn't either. This one feels fragile but well balanced. And, it comes off as a thrusting sword that still allows you to threaten a cut. A person up against you couldn't be sure you wouldn't throw a cut, or if a cut was exposed you could take advantage of it, but mostly it's a point weapon. It feels good that way, that you have a small sword with just enough cut to give you options.

[@bearsagainstevil]

I'm British and have the same sword but it just has the d guard not the cup its a confederate sword , I have at least two of my family who went to the states and fought in the civil war for the confederacy, one was killed and got the confederacy's version of the medal of honour. people used to go to the states and come back . to some people it was looked at as a sort of adventure holiday where you could make your fortune possibly but you could always return . my grandfather did that in the 1880s he brought back American indian items and guns its what Victorians did , his uncle earlier had gone and fought in the civil war . its quite easy to find out about people who fought in the civil war online

[@mitcharcher7528]

I bought one of these (from 1863) several months ago. It’s not in the best shape (lots of pitting) but it’s still sturdy enough to use. I haven’t really tried to cut with it, but neither did the original owner, apparently; it was service sharpened, but only at the point and first couple inches. I have no experience at all with smallswords or spadroons, but I think it’s a fun little sword. The weight strikes me as a good thing, since it might clash against a rifle in close quarters. It’s definitely not heavy, and it’s pretty nimble to a noob like me.

[@TrainmanDan]

There were batches of US Civil War type equipment made for the museum market in the 1890s I believe. They were made with original tooling if I recall correctly and may be hard to differentiate from original 1860s production.

[@rancidcrawfish]

An hour ago I was saying "where the hell is Matt Easton" to myself.

[@texasbeast239]

Either you made his ears burn because he heard you, or perhaps you made his sword hand fingertips turn red.

[@glitch9211]

I think you nailed it when you referred to combating bayonets, as that would have been one of the primary concerns of the time.

[@intrepiddevildog]

Great video, finally a sword that I have.👍👍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@killerkraut9179]

and i have just a replica !

[@-RONNIE]

Really interesting video ⚔️ I hope you and your family have a good holiday 🥃 Sláinte

[@minerwaweasley1008]

Thank you!

[@cidvar]

I've heard that hardly any were service sharpened due to a mix of armorers not wanting to sharpen dozens or more swords and the NCOs not bothering either and if they swung it they'd aim for fingers and thrust for and real damage. It's interesting that it's still in use for parade proses in some units though it's become much more ornate and lost all combat effectiveness.

[@matthewaleman4401]

Swords did absolutely nothing during the civil war tho 1 in a 1000 casualties were caused by bayonets or swords cavalryman stopped carrying sabers for extra revolvers and it makes sense modern weaponry like rifled muskets rifled artilery with explosive shells made melee combat impossible swords weren’t sharpened because they were never intended to really be used soldiers were not trained in any sort of military swordsmanship and nobody even fenced for fun stonewall Jackson’s sword would rust in its scabbard and officers towards the end of the war who even carried a sword were scoffed at

[@GaelicMongrel2023]

I would LOVE to see you talk about the swords of Nashville Plow Works.

[@johnladuke6475]

I for one am utterly shocked that this is not the favourite channel of spadrooners.

[@haroldlittell689]

I have an Ames 1864 also. They are authorized at times for use with our dress blues uniform, (new manufactured 1840s).

[@lwj2]

I carried one of those in high school ROTC. It has decent balance and will work nicely as a cutting weapon; it is heavy enough to severely wound the arm of an opponent, solid enough to make an abdominal or thoracic thrust count and if the back is used instead of the edge, capable of breaking an opponent's forearm. It is not a "nice" weapon.

[@pavementsailor]

My USN boot camp experience reminded me of Sabers still being used in drill and parade by NCOs. But I don't recall seeing this sword ever in such use. But it was ages ago, so I could be wrong.

[@dwaneanderson8039]

Yeah, when I was in Navy boot camp in 1988, our RCPO carried a "saber" that was so short I would call it a cutlass.

[@pavementsailor]

@@dwaneanderson8039 yes, a cutlass for sure.

[@jimrutherford2773]

I have a couple of these M1840 NCO swords. A good addition or follow up to this video would have been discussing the M1840 Musicians sword which is almost identical except for the shell like handguard. The musicians sword is a little harder to find in the collecting market.

[@spiffyracc]

Would like to see the "current" USMC swords reviewed (think the NCO sword goes back to the Civil War). (Same design as some Army officers had, not this spadroon though)

[@intrepiddevildog]

The current model 1859 NCO sword would not do well for battle conditions. The blade dimensions were changed twice an each time it was made smaller and thinner. The earliest version was meant for battle, that's the one you want to compare. FYI this sword is the longest continuously used weapon in the US arsenal. Semper Fidelis

[@spiffyracc]

@@intrepiddevildog yeah that's why I put "current" in quotes on there...i.e. I don't need someone to tell me my blunt, stainless steel sword with minimal distal taper isn't Excalibur...interested in the original versions which are still common enough as antiques

[@Riceball01]

Matt did a review ot he Cold Steel "battle ready" version ages ago. From what I remember, his review wasn't that favorable, mainly becuse it's a Cold Steel swords and they have a reoutation for making overly heavy and poor handling replicas, particularly compared to their originals.

[@imperfectlump6070]

I thought the guidon was the oldest weapon in the USMC. 1371 from '89 to '93.

[@Riceball01]

@@imperfectlump6070 But the guidon isn't techincally a weapon. Sure, it could be used as a weapon, but it's not designed or classified as a weapon though.

[@Rubberweasel]

I would imagine in typical US military fashion they were sold in quantity to someone in Europe as surplus and ended up spread all around later.

[@kingofthefleetians7569]

You should do a video on the 1840 heavy cavalry saber, i find it interesting to fence with because of its weight

[@nickaschenbecker9882]

I find America's history with France kind of amusing. I live in what was once Versailles Township; we have towns and counties named for Marquise de la Fayette around here. The French really came through for General Washington-particularly with naval support. Washington also loved and obviously owned several French made swords. Ironically, within bicycling distance from my house, is Jumonville, Ohiopyle and Fort Necessity where Washington, a 21 or 23 year old leftenant in the Continental Army at the time, inadvertently started the Seven Years War. It seems we emulated the French military right up until the Louisiana Purchase because we considered them a risk to National Security. Indeed, all through the Revolution, France and America were spying on each other. There was even a plot (which included a Prussian by the name of Johann von Robais, Baron de Kalb who was commissioned as an officer by General Washington) to install a French monarch as head of the United States once the British were routed. I think they had de Kalb in mind. And is it so far-fetched? They did it in Mexico with Maximilian de Habsburg. In light of all this, the emulation and alliance seems preposterous. But I think it might've been your Jeremy Clarkson who pointed out Yanks and Franks don't get on because we're so much alike.

[@bonedaddy7297]

I have 2 spadroons, the older one has a repurposed late rapier blade and it handles beautifully. The other one is just like what was shown in this video and it tends to behave like a heavy horse straight sabre, without the huge blade of a heavy horse sabre, extremely point forward . The point of both munition grade spadroon and straight sabre want to run away from control if you take it off line from the opponent to much. Even though the point of percussion for the cut of a spadroon is very small it will still slash if you actually cut instead of just banging away like a hammer expecting it to cut. But again the point is hard to bring back under control without some nice German cutting techniques that take a lot of time.

[@danielkohli1542]

My family has a pare of U.S. 1840 musicians swords. They are are very similar in appearance, but are shorter and don't have the clam shell like parts on the sides.

[@theamericancristero7390]

I've had my eye on an 1840 NCO bc I'd like to portray an NCO at some point in reenacting. For me it's more important to get the full private's impression done then worry about adding the NCO additions. For me I love the "NCO militia sword" in the fraternal sword style, but often made by military contractors like Ames, functioning as a "miedeval" style cross guard often twin edged spadroon.

[@thethinkingfox8862]

Matt, you've had a number of 1860s and you've never reviewed any of them? I would love to have a review of the 1860 heavy/light cavalry saber from you.

[@ulfhunden]

I've been meaning to get an 1840 for ages now. I too am not a great fan of spadroons but something about that one is attractive to me.

[@dillonbuford]

I would like to know more about American sword's. America's know extremely little about American sword's

[@theodorewood5083]

The Influence of France on the northeastern USA exists still to this day. The reason our military copied theirs is due to that close relationship. Cool video.

[@nullifye7816]

It looks like a sabre, broader than my blunt practice sabre. I wouldn't denigrate the edge until someone's tried to sharpen it properly and do some test cutting. I think the idea might have been, in any case, to provide something to parry sabres with and riposte with a thrust quicker than they can. It also looks mean enough.

[@Master...deBater]

Hey Matt. Have you ever handled a French 1816 Gendarmerie sword and how would you classify it (Spadroon, Smallsword...etc)? Mine has the same hilt as that 1840...but with a straight 31.5", flat diamond cross section, double bevel blade. The blade is similar to earlier Smallsword blades prior to the dominance of the trifold hollow ground blades. I'd really be interested to know what you think, thanks' Matt.

[@lobstereleven4610]

Question, do we know if the weight distribution and construction differences between this US sword and it's European counterparts were due to cost cutting, technological necessity (as in US sword makers may not be as proficient in producing these, just a wild guess), or due to battle/environmental considerations? Maybe a combination of multiple reasons but was just curious and wonder if there is any data/records on this subject. Thanks for the videos Matt, Happy holidays!

[@jeffthebaptist3602]

It's a good question. The US 1840 cavalry saber was a copy of a French 1822 with more cut-biased German blade. It's possible that the US intentionally gave the 1840 NCO sword more blade presence as well.

[@jaradtrout140]

Hey Matt, I had a couple general questions about historical NCO swords. I know that swords were generally issued to NCOs and returned after leaving the service, but were NCOs ever permitted to buy their own swords and keep their issued swords in storage? Could they personally buy military style swords as commemorative pieces for private ownership?

[@penitentialarts]

May I ask what page(s) you went to when you needed to ask for more information about the French sword the one you are handling was based on?

[@billkallas1762]

Thanks. I have one stamped 1862 AHC (American Horse Cavalry?) Never sharpened.

[@wrannsucks]

Just came into one myself; 1964 AMES Musicians sword, similar in most respects though it is a bit shorter.

[@echosr2139]

Can we get a review of the m1860 light cavalry saber?

[@beowulfshaeffer8444]

Just curious, would you consider a spadroon and side sword to be comparable in form/function? I've heard the comparison before, but have little experience with which to judge.

[@Omniseed]

I'm not an expert but I would expect the spadroon to compare quite unfavorably. I think the side sword looks a lot like the spadroon but that functionally it would be like the relationship between the rapier and smallsword. The side sword is a bit more of an investment in terms of weight and the more comprehensive/bulky hand protection. It's more of a full time sidearm for someone in a firearms-light conflict than the spadroon, which must be limited to reserve space for an accompanying pistol or carbine.

[@helgrind5093]

I just bought an 1863 today at an antique store that could use a little TLC.

[@asa-punkatsouthvinland7145]

Back when you made some of your earlier spadoon videos I don't know if I commented at the time but I was going to say that the 1840 U.S. NCO of spadroon was certainly better than that infamous model of British 1796 spadroon with the very flexable blade. I wondered at the time had you ever handled a US 184O NCO and what your opinion on it was...now I know. Although you're clearly not a huge fan of bedrooms it seems you think that this okay! I own a Windlass replica that feels very close to the one original I've handled. Although when I first bought it I was not good at sharpening and I've never gotten the edge where I wanted it to be and I've also ground off enough at the edge that I'm not sure I ever will 😂 I guess we could say it was a sword I learned with in many ways! But it's been a good piece and I've had it for a about 23 years now. Course I'm not going to try to cut super heavy targets with it but it has done well with the targets I put it to. I still prefer steel hills over brass and compared to a lot of sabers the brass on the 1840 is a bit thin... But as long as you're not taking a lot of direct hits it seems plenty durable. I always love to sword myself and it wasn't until KZbin a few years ago that I realized I thought of people don't like spadroons...well I seldom have fit in 😂

[@danjohnston9037]

If anyone cares; Chicopee is a town in Massachusetts near the City of Springfield, a city which is/was semi-famous for firearms manufacture

[@danielkohli1542]

When doing some research on arms and equipment of U.S. infantry during the U.S. Civil War, it appears that this model of sword was issued to sargents and other higher ranking ncos.

[@michaelconnell9274]

As a retired US Army NCO, it was explained to me that this particular sword was used to keep the younger, junior troops moving forward. The NCO would have had a revolver as well. He stayed behind the fighting soldiers moving them forward in battle. Sadly, it was built and intended to push his soldiers forward into battle.

[@_XR40_]

I used mine to fence with for several years. Easily controllable (wrist strength is a more important factor than point of balance), and quite durable. Not something that "...might bend or break the blade..." (9:15) if you whack someone. Probably the smallest sword that would actually be _useful_ outside a drawing-room. It's designed to be a battlefield weapon - Not a duelists...

[@mjlotus]

Clunky but robust. Not bad for actual field service. Chicopee, Massachusetts, on the Connecticut River. Looked up Ames Manufacturing. It was of course on the river, with a water mill to drive its machinery. First wave American industrialization in New England was driven by water mills, not steam. It would be interesting to know about the machinery in the factory used to make the swords.

[@rikter22]

in a period setting duel i'd fear for Matt's ears. mine are similar.

[@mcmax571]

This was carried by senior NCOs, First sergeants, Quartermaster sergeants and Sergeant majors.

[@Tippet76]

Ames is one of the great companies of America. They made the first metal shovels in the colonies and supplied the majority during the California gold rush. Still around today.

[@boydgrandy5769]

I can guarantee that there was no tradition of teaching swordsmanship to NCOs in the Union Army. Most of the men who put on the blue uniform were farmers, or from small towns and villages and they probably never saw a sword except those carried by ancient veterans of the War of 1812 or the Mexican War of the late 1840s. Unlike the South, there was no culture of dueling with swords; any arguments that resulted in violence up North were resolved with firearms or clubs in a very informal setting. It was probably treated like a pig sticker, something stabby to use as a last resort, and usually the NCO would be armed with a '61 or 63 Springfield musket with a bayonet stuck on it. After 1875, the US Army was almost purely cavalry, until the late 1890s, and from 1873 on the troopers and their NCOs were armed with Colt Single Action Army revolvers in .45LC as a side arm and trapdoor Springfield 45/70 carbines as the primary weapon. Nobody except officers carried swords, and even those were sabers. Pistols using center fire cartridges made swords obsolete.

[@adamdean5881]

The infantry marched everywhere the cavalry rode during the Indian War period ( 1865-1890). The cavalry never became dominant. The cavalry was best used for quick pursuits, not fighting and winning battles against heavily armed or numerous opponents

[@lordcarve]

I'm sure many Union officers that went to Westpoint had traditional fencing. The south just had so many traditional officers and schools like VMI that also would have taught fencing.

[@boydgrandy5769]

@@lordcarve There were under 500 West Point or VMI trained officers in uniform during the Civil War, which means that literally thousands of officers below field grade commanders came from backgrounds that were not steeped in military tradition. Cavalry troopers, their Non-coms and their officers would have been trained to use the saber from horseback as part of their training, but the mass of Union men were farmers, mechanics and, in some cases, professors of revealed religion (Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain) who had no experience with any type of sword. As the war progressed, even cavalry, especially in the North, shifted tactics and weapons, moving more towards the tactics of mounted infantry. As technology progressed, the North introduced repeating carbines and horse pistols in greater numbers, further reducing the cavalry's dependence on the saber. The Union cavalry units got better (training, experience, weapons and mounts) and became more efficient tactically, while the Confederate cavalry arm was attrited to the point where it could not stand against the Union's horse soldiers, especially in the East.

[@navigator5426]

Matt, do you think that the relatively ' chilly ' attitude between Britain and the U.S. might be a factor considering that ' Skirmish ' called the War of 1812 ?.

[@hitomiuri4029]

At 9:15, you make the comment that it might "bend or break the blade". This won't happen if the blade was properly proofed. You might not be able to hold on to it, but it won't break easily. According the the 1861 US Army Ordnance Manual, the first of 4 tests includes a test in which the blade is proofing included bending "on each of the flat over a cylindrical block, the curvature of which is that of a circle 35 inches in diameter ...". After which is should not be "free of flaws, cracks or other imperfections ... and that it is not set ..." meaning it remains bent. If you hold the blade by the point, the hilt will curve the blade about about 10" due to the weight of the hilt. The blades don't break easily and are almost like spring steel. Only NCO's first sergeants and above were supposed to be issued the Model 1840 sword. Field Musicians (generally fifers not drummers) were issued a 4" shorter sword with a slightly lighter blade and no shells on the hilt. That was because the Field Musicians were generally boys in their early teens. I have carried an original NCO Sword for over 40 year of re-enacting. I for one have never felt it was clunky or badly balanced. It not like "Old Wrist Breaker" a.k.a the Model 1840 cavalry saber.

[@TimmyB1867]

slightly random question, but you did bring it up sort of. In antique furniture and art, there is a 'thou shalt not polish' rule when it comes to patina. In the sword dealing community does it have an effect on value if it's been polished up or no?

[@Laz7481]

It absolutely affects the value. A polished antique is not worth nearly as much as one with patina. The only way you'd improve the value by polishing is if the sword is rusted.

[@captainvladmir7535]

Matt's advising people to put a thumb up the back.

[@matthewserviss5874]

I have a 1840 mine handles amazing

[@kevinmurphy65]

Have to also remember, that the USA really has not had a "sword" culture as there was in Europe. It really was an adornment more than an actual weapon of choice that could be used if needed. That they were used in any large numbers as weapons has never happened in the United States as obviously by the time we came to be, firearms were the weapon of choice.

[@powers39]

Many of the swords have one of the scallops bent forward towards the piont. This was done to make the sword easier to wear.

[@carebear8762]

No Patton? That's weird. Even here in Alaska there tend to be one or two showing up at gun shows every year.

[@Thelordmagedon]

You should do a review of Sellsword Arts KZbin channel.

[@SwashbucklingToday]

Hey, I have one of these and always thought it was awkwardly weighted for a thrusting sword too. I don't think it's for me though.

[@thedamnyankee1]

Chicopee is certainly Chicopee Mass. very close to Springfield, MA of the Springfield Armory fame.

[@rayankrystar3742]

I love spadroon!

[@carebear8762]

The American muscle car spadroon. can go real fast in the thrust just don't try to turn...

[@raphlvlogs271]

such a hilt will still work well on a beefier and more cut oriented blade.

[@Gilleban]

What can we say? It almost seems like a stereotype, but Americans seem to favor the "clunky"...we made a sword that looks like a spadroon but with a heavier blade, such that it could take on cavalry sabers (How dare sergeants stand a chance of taking on their betters!). Also, when training up troops on the quick, it makes a tad more sense to give a sergeant something they can beat someone senseless with than to take a man who was carrying a rifle last week and put him through fencing classes.

[@jamesfrankiewicz5768]

Presumably every U.S. Army NCO who was issued these in the 1800s had the thought of "What the f*** is this thing supposed to be for? I don't need this pig sticker! Just give me my rifle, my bayonet, and my Bowie! This thing is just one more awkward piece of s*** to hump on the next march! Hmm, maybe I can at least scare the new privates with it."

[@smashallpots1428]

honestly ive kinda grown fond of the spadroon over the last 2 years

[@animalxINSTINCT89]

I like scruffy Matt. Big Sword-Daddy energy

[@oldschooljeremy8124]

Looks like it would be best used as a roasting spit while on campaign. :D

[@flipcoder1]

What should I do with it

[@CitroChannel]

How did US Civil War-era cavalry sabers compare to their contemporaries in Europe? Where they basically the same as the cavalry sabers used by the French or were there some notable differences in what the Americans used as cavalry seords? I know that the Confederate cavalry apparently used their sabers more often than their Union counterparts (or so I've heard -- I don't have a source, but I've heard that the cavalry of the Confederacy were generally more skilled horsemen and therefore more likely to both be armed with and actually use their sabers along with their guns while Union cavalry sometimes didn't even carry blades and relied almost exclusively on revolvers for light cavalry and perhaps some rifles, too. This could all be wrong though. 😅) and so I also wonder if ther is much or any difference between the sabers issued and used by the two sides of the war or if they were using basically the same blades. It's sad that I'm an American and don't know the answer to these questions lol.

[@flipcoder1]

I have one I found in Barbados

[@christophers7023]

For American’s specifically I think the trend of imitating the French also had a lot to do with our involvement during the war of independence. We got a lot of support there and probably received quite a bit of influence in the early formative years of our military. Plus early on Americans prided themselves on being as not British as possible and what’s less British than the French at the time? 😂

[@warsprite1888]

You do realize there is about 1,000 of those right? American Sabers, I mean. (My area of expertise, I've used several of them) Including different year / model variations depending on service up to and including Naval versions even as far as after the American Civil War, the western portions of the US still carried them since being on the frontier which was mostly due to their opponents at the time, which was varied. A good example of which is the 54th Massachusetts Regiment. Which was originally made from an all volunteer force of males who in one battle suffered 50% casualties during the civil war then made their way to Colorado where they were coined with the the nickname "dog soldiers" by their enemies in respect for their tracking and tenacity. Like most "sharp pointy objects" they tend to update as the years roll along so there is actually lots of different models, some used by multiple countries at the same time or inspired therein. Check the US National Archives or even the Smithsonian Museum, they'll be able to give you all the variations of American Cavalry or Naval Sabers or Cutlass's. Yes, the US Navy had cutlass's at one time, ahem. Moving along! Also another good all American hunk of metal is the ole fashioned Bowie Short Swor....er I mean I mean knife. Caution: May come with a rodent pelt to wear on your noggin. Edit Later Upon Second Watching: How did American Sabers get into the UK to land on the second hand market to be purchased later on? Ask the ladies of the UK, since it usually happens when they marry US Officers they tend to get a set of several different mismatched boots, a (possibly) dress uniform, a bunch of worry and an officers dress sword in the style of their branch of service if US Army or Marine. I'll go ahead and say it though and I'm a "Zoomie" as it were, but The US Marine sabers are extra cool, with a distinctive pommel and their drill team is extra skilled even to this day. The US Air Force and Naval Personnel do not Usually wear them but Do have the option to do so for very good reasons (inadvertent button push whilst turning around scenario's mostly - Missile Launch Detected!! And yes, it's happened, not even kidding) especially while On Board, as it were but they sometimes are issued to them for use mostly during ceremonies, one such use is in funeral details. Just thought I'd add this to my earlier post.

[@warsprite1888]

@@hieug.rection1920 Yeah plus I'm Absolutely sure them looking like imposing slabs-O-beef at Us Embassy's has nothing to do with the cool, snappy and imposing looking dress clothes either (wink, wink, nudge, nudge). Right?

[@warsprite1888]

@@hieug.rection1920 Although the AF don't do so bad with their scarlet and black berets either in dress blues even if everybody forgets our history is almost as long as the US Armies. Why do we know that? Because the US AF used to be a Part of the US Army as early as WW II. Until we weren't. ( Yes I am pointedly ignoring the US Spacey Force currently cause I aint got a clue what their final uniforms are gonna look like, except supposedly "trekkie" I guess,idk ) But your right, I do believe the US Marines have the advantage in the uniform race for sure.

[@warsprite1888]

@@hieug.rection1920 Uh, I Had Lots of Cammies and a Black beret with a Red one before that one, so Uh No, you are dead wrong here. By the way, the Army Air Corps (the AF) existed before WW II, like almost back to the Wilbur and Orville days or maybe not far from. Wanna know why you are wrong on the uniforms as anybody can be? Problem number 1) Black Beret = Combat Arms (otherwise known as Infantryman in every other service, if you don't believe me, try it out for yourself, they'll do the job as efficiently as any other infantry) or Security Police / Forces as they are now known, who Are one of the few American Forces who can claim to have never left a man behind plus their museum is at Lackland AFB. Problem number 2) Red (Or More Accurately, the Scarlet) Beret ='s Special Forces, whether they be Combat Air Combat Controller's or The Para Rescue who's official motto is: So Others May Live. I'm trying to head this one off at the pass so before you stick that foot all the way up to the knee there, I've also worn an Army uniform in their JROTC where I was serving our country at 17 ( I know because I was credited as such by our nation, plus got the certificate to prove it ) and even went to war with them. I do agree their dress uniform could be better but if you actually even bother to look at both the AF and Army uniforms they resemble each other for a reason, to remember where we came from. The army just gets to include all the options where most AF don't even bother with it. Hence the reason why every bar fight between the Army and AF is utter stupidity, we are cousins.

[@warsprite1888]

@@hieug.rection1920 Just for Info Purposes: Selective Service did when calculating my service, you could too, only rub is that ROTC and Military Academy Students (VMI for instance is one such example) can be subject to military recall in extreme circumstances due to their training which is why you get the credit bro, cause you earned it, I didn't make the rules but like I said you can check it out for yourself in the huge rule book. But I must say And what if those "POG's" as you call them are serving in Africa or the Arctic? Guess they don't need the super cool gear then right cause they don't deserve it enough to wear it? Sorry to say I've already seen that one applied in practice, us Medics have another name for it, casualties. And stupidity. Hence, the patch that say "Yes, I do fix stupid'.

[@petearundel166]

How stiff is the blade?