"Buy Once, Cry Once" is the motto of so many of my hobbies! In target shooting, you can buy cheap scopes, cheap mounts, and cheap firearms, but you will 100% have to replace them. In Historical European Martial Arts, you can buy cheap protective gear or simulators, but you will 100% have to upgrade eventually. I do a bit of medieval reenactment and the same applies, you can get cheap stuff that looks okay, but you'll eventually want your impression to improve. Research products, save up, and buy it ONCE!
I have one of these swords,it is marked US 1863 FSS on one side of the blade and S FSS on the hand guard W CHELMSFORD US C ROBY, on the other side of the blade but this is not as easily made out unlike on the other side,it was in my Grandmothers family for as long as she could remember.I am British from the North East of England and many miners went to the United States to find work and ended up fighting on both sides in the Civil War.
I am going to reenact as a musician and am there for qualified to carry the m1840 musicians sword, should i by a replica or should i buy an original. I want to carry one so where can a get a some what quality replica ( i know there not great but who sells the best) and where would i get an original? Any help and advice would be helpful from anyone willing to respond. Thanks!
I looked at the cheap Indian made $90 replicas on ebay and immediately said nah. I later went on Atlanta Cutlerys site and found one made by Windlass for about $200 that looked awesome and I bought one. Even has Ames Co. Stamped on the blade. Whats your opinion on that replica sword?
Thanks Sgt for this review and your bias toward quality steel and quality equipment. On an unrelated note, I did some shooting with my 1860's Army 44 revolver .. I'll have a video up within the week.
That is where it should be. No more than 3 inches for an infantry sword. There are some reproductions out there in excess of 6 inches which is unacceptable.
I mostly wear my sword for drill, formal events, or living history events. I've worn it a time or two during battle to see what it's like and it's a pain wearing it as a sharpshooter. It's also not very period correct to wear on campaign. It's a lot of awkward, dead weight. When I'm leading drill, I have my sword drawn to show I'm in command just like in the manuals.
For infantry they would have carried the M1840 NCO sword for NCOs, for cavalry and light artillery the standard mounted swords for their branches of service. Since the policy of the time was that black soldiers were not permitted to be commissioned officers, they wouldn't have carried officers swords.
@@CompanyD2ndUSSS are those Blades blunted or sharpened? I read somewhere that Americans didn't like sharpened swords And do you know the name of the mounted sword type?
Infantry swords were never sharpened to my knowledge. Cavalry swords may have been but not the full blade, perhaps maybe the first six inches or so. Things people tend to forget is if one is under trained, careless or the sword gets a away it can injure the user or horse if mounted. As for the Cavalry sword model used it was probable the M1860 Cavalry Saber.
did you try regamental Quartermaster. A few months ago i left a lot of comments on your officers impression video and your Ltn thoute thar may not be a bad place to find quality swords NCO swords officers swords.... you should have a look and tell me what you think. THANKS!😀
Officer swords for some reason tend to have a larger market and tend to be higher quality in general. If you're on a budget and need an NCO sword right away, regimental quartermaster is fine. We're just making the point that for a little bit more money you can be 100% authentic and have the joy of holding an actual piece of history. Plus, nothing wows the public more than letting them hold an actual CW sword. Original items are viable in the hobby and should be considered.
1st Sgt here, the Horse Soldier store in Gettysburg has an original nco sword for $225 online. They deal in lots of original items and are highly respected. You could also check eBay but be sure to shop wisely and do your homework on swords and the vendor.
I am actually working on a progressive sgt impression for garrison duty at ft stevens and on the columbia with Silas and his crew. If I got a repro could I send it to you to modify for me?
They are not. While there is a point to them and could stab easily. Much like the original NCO or officers swords they, they are more ceremonial and badge of office type of pieces.
would the average civil war NCO have a NCO sword I'm a corparol would they wear it in the field or is it more of a parade and garrison thing thanks in advance
It would have been mostly worn on the parade ground or dress occasions, however there are some accounts of NCO's carrying them in combat... and quickly ditching them. As a Corporal, you don't need to worry about lugging one around. Mostly was worn by Sgt. Majors, 1st Sgts. and some 2nd Sgts.
In 2014; I get my retirement after been in service for 27 years in the Puerto Rico army national guard. I will like to get an nco sword to my memorabilia display. Can you help to get one? Any site, direction or phone number ? Thanks
The most important thing is to make sure you work with a reputable vendor or militaria dealer. You can find them on ebay sometimes, but do good research. The Horse Soldier is a good place out of Gettysburg and they sell quite a few swords and their prices aren't too bad. There are plenty of others, too. Shop around and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Hmmm...good question. Do I remember? I may have purchased the scabbard from Ebay. I do recall it was a bit tricky finding just the scabbard. Sorry I wasn't more help.
It is tough whether looking for an original or repro scabbard. For repros, bigmick45 on ebay has them once in a while. That's where I got mine. You have to custom fit a modern scabbard since the original swords are longer than repros. I popped the staples off the brass and loosened the glue with a long, fine screwdriver. Test fit the sword and reassembled with either barge cement or epoxy. I can't remember. For an original, patience on ebay or even reach out to some place like the Horse Soldier in Gettysburg. Hope that helps.
hey i have a question. how many twisted wires are on the handle. i served in the marines and have bought swords people said were lower quality because it was a double twisted wire grip. they said the higher quality ones are triple twisted wire around the handle.
I just bought one today would you recommend to just use it for drill. I have seen photos of ncos wearing them but that is mainly it. Do you think it give more of a i am currently in command of drill vs as using a ramrod
That's a tricky and very good question. I typically wear it for camp impressions/formal occasions only and wore it on the field a few times to experience how much of a pain it was running around with. Many NCOs kept their swords in storage and from I've read rarely had them on campaign. You can dig around the Authentic Campaigner forum for more research on this. Swords were to distinguish rank, and like you pointed out identify who was in command. If it's a big public turn out, I'll wear my sword because people love holding and taking pictures with an original sword.
Company D 2nd USSS cool Thanks! So much knowledge. I own lots of civil war history books however not any of them have regulations on who could carry what and uniform related stuff. So i have one request could you guys do a vid on how to tie the officers waist sash like how do you and the Captain tie your waist sash. That would make for a great how to video
"Buy Once, Cry Once" is the motto of so many of my hobbies! In target shooting, you can buy cheap scopes, cheap mounts, and cheap firearms, but you will 100% have to replace them. In Historical European Martial Arts, you can buy cheap protective gear or simulators, but you will 100% have to upgrade eventually. I do a bit of medieval reenactment and the same applies, you can get cheap stuff that looks okay, but you'll eventually want your impression to improve. Research products, save up, and buy it ONCE!
I have one of these swords,it is marked US 1863 FSS on one side of the blade and S FSS on the hand guard W CHELMSFORD US C ROBY, on the other side of the blade but this is not as easily made out unlike on the other side,it was in my Grandmothers family for as long as she could remember.I am British from the North East of England and many miners went to the United States to find work and ended up fighting on both sides in the Civil War.
I am going to reenact as a musician and am there for qualified to carry the m1840 musicians sword, should i by a replica or should i buy an original. I want to carry one so where can a get a some what quality replica ( i know there not great but who sells the best) and where would i get an original? Any help and advice would be helpful from anyone willing to respond. Thanks!
I looked at the cheap Indian made $90 replicas on ebay and immediately said nah. I later went on Atlanta Cutlerys site and found one made by Windlass for about $200 that looked awesome and I bought one. Even has Ames Co. Stamped on the blade. Whats your opinion on that replica sword?
Emerson and Silver Trenton NJ made the 1840 no sword with a metal scabbard. They were the only one to do that.
Thanks Sgt for this review and your bias toward quality steel and quality equipment. On an unrelated note, I did some shooting with my 1860's Army 44 revolver .. I'll have a video up within the week.
Thanks! We can't wait to see that .44 video!
What is the point of balance on your NCO sword?
The balance is maybe just shy of 3 inches from the hilt. Thanks for the great technical question.
That is where it should be. No more than 3 inches for an infantry sword. There are some reproductions out there in excess of 6 inches which is unacceptable.
When do you use your NCO sword. I dont mean for attacks I mean during reenactments and parades
I mostly wear my sword for drill, formal events, or living history events. I've worn it a time or two during battle to see what it's like and it's a pain wearing it as a sharpshooter. It's also not very period correct to wear on campaign. It's a lot of awkward, dead weight. When I'm leading drill, I have my sword drawn to show I'm in command just like in the manuals.
Do you know where to buy decent but affordable officer swords for lieutenants
I found a sword that looked exactly like this in my grandpas house should I sell it? Restore it? Keep it? I am not a recanter or historian
I have a question, what type of swords (if any) did Black Union swords use?
Ive been looking all over and can't find ANYTHING on it
Swords that the USCT used?
@@CompanyD2ndUSSS any type of Black Soldiers tbh
For infantry they would have carried the M1840 NCO sword for NCOs, for cavalry and light artillery the standard mounted swords for their branches of service. Since the policy of the time was that black soldiers were not permitted to be commissioned officers, they wouldn't have carried officers swords.
@@CompanyD2ndUSSS are those Blades blunted or sharpened?
I read somewhere that Americans didn't like sharpened swords
And do you know the name of the mounted sword type?
Infantry swords were never sharpened to my knowledge. Cavalry swords may have been but not the full blade, perhaps maybe the first six inches or so. Things people tend to forget is if one is under trained, careless or the sword gets a away it can injure the user or horse if mounted.
As for the Cavalry sword model used it was probable the M1860 Cavalry Saber.
Really nice sword👍👍🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Can you recommend a sutler who carries antiques and reproduction scabbards? Or quality reproduction blades if you ever found any.
did you try regamental Quartermaster. A few months ago i left a lot of comments on your officers impression video and your Ltn thoute thar may not be a bad place to find quality swords NCO swords officers swords.... you should have a look and tell me what you think. THANKS!😀
Officer swords for some reason tend to have a larger market and tend to be higher quality in general. If you're on a budget and need an NCO sword right away, regimental quartermaster is fine. We're just making the point that for a little bit more money you can be 100% authentic and have the joy of holding an actual piece of history. Plus, nothing wows the public more than letting them hold an actual CW sword. Original items are viable in the hobby and should be considered.
Company D 2nd USSS thank you were would you suggest i buy an original. thanks
and happy 4th of July
1st Sgt here, the Horse Soldier store in Gettysburg has an original nco sword for $225 online. They deal in lots of original items and are highly respected. You could also check eBay but be sure to shop wisely and do your homework on swords and the vendor.
Jerad Koepp I am on a budget for 120$ or less any suggestions
What do you know about bowie knives for union impression ?
I am actually working on a progressive sgt impression for garrison duty at ft stevens and on the columbia with Silas and his crew. If I got a repro could I send it to you to modify for me?
Scabbard, you mean? Of course you can, Ian.
Are your swords sharp when you do reenactments?
They are not. While there is a point to them and could stab easily. Much like the original NCO or officers swords they, they are more ceremonial and badge of office type of pieces.
would the average civil war NCO have a NCO sword I'm a corparol would they wear it in the field or is it more of a parade and garrison thing thanks in advance
It would have been mostly worn on the parade ground or dress occasions, however there are some accounts of NCO's carrying them in combat... and quickly ditching them. As a Corporal, you don't need to worry about lugging one around. Mostly was worn by Sgt. Majors, 1st Sgts. and some 2nd Sgts.
thanks I figured u guys make great videos
In 2014; I get my retirement after been in service for 27 years in the Puerto Rico army national guard. I will like to get an nco sword to my memorabilia display. Can you help to get one? Any site, direction or phone number ? Thanks
The most important thing is to make sure you work with a reputable vendor or militaria dealer. You can find them on ebay sometimes, but do good research. The Horse Soldier is a good place out of Gettysburg and they sell quite a few swords and their prices aren't too bad. There are plenty of others, too. Shop around and don't be afraid to ask questions.
@@CompanyD2ndUSSS Thanks Koepp !!
What company did you buy the scabbard from
Hmmm...good question. Do I remember? I may have purchased the scabbard from Ebay. I do recall it was a bit tricky finding just the scabbard. Sorry I wasn't more help.
I have an original 1840 NCO sword, but am having problems finding a scabbard for it. Any tips on that?
It is tough whether looking for an original or repro scabbard. For repros, bigmick45 on ebay has them once in a while. That's where I got mine. You have to custom fit a modern scabbard since the original swords are longer than repros. I popped the staples off the brass and loosened the glue with a long, fine screwdriver. Test fit the sword and reassembled with either barge cement or epoxy. I can't remember. For an original, patience on ebay or even reach out to some place like the Horse Soldier in Gettysburg. Hope that helps.
@@CompanyD2ndUSSS That's why you don't play flag football with your sashes after a battle, liable to get torn.
hey i have a question. how many twisted wires are on the handle. i served in the marines and have bought swords people said were lower quality because it was a double twisted wire grip. they said the higher quality ones are triple twisted wire around the handle.
Solid cast brass. No wire
Apparently the best is only original. I was hoping by the title,to learn of a quality repro.
Cc sutlery has some decent ones but they are imported
I just bought one today would you recommend to just use it for drill. I have seen photos of ncos wearing them but that is mainly it. Do you think it give more of a i am currently in command of drill vs as using a ramrod
That's a tricky and very good question. I typically wear it for camp impressions/formal occasions only and wore it on the field a few times to experience how much of a pain it was running around with. Many NCOs kept their swords in storage and from I've read rarely had them on campaign. You can dig around the Authentic Campaigner forum for more research on this. Swords were to distinguish rank, and like you pointed out identify who was in command. If it's a big public turn out, I'll wear my sword because people love holding and taking pictures with an original sword.
Can Corporals carry NCO swords if they would like?
Due to regulation they wouldnt have. Would have been Sgt and above who would have been permitted to wear/use the M1840 NCO sword
Company D 2nd USSS cool Thanks! So much knowledge. I own lots of civil war history books however not any of them have regulations on who could carry what and uniform related stuff. So i have one request could you guys do a vid on how to tie the officers waist sash like how do you and the Captain tie your waist sash. That would make for a great how to video
@@Nelson-rh7og that's the plan once I get my new officers sash in. My last one was pretty torn and shredded haha
Company D 2nd USSS cool thanks srgt
Did they ever had steel scabbers
Standard issue would have been leather for NCO scabbards. You see metal in officer scabbards.
is your coat from some website or homemade?
That would be a federal contract fatigue blouse from Wambaugh, White and company.
@@CompanyD2ndUSSS cheers
Too many fakes on eBay makes me not want to try and buy one on there.
Mainstream reenactors can have great impressions too.
Sooooo cute.
Deo Vindice yankee.
Sic semper tyrannus