The Army NCO sword, have we lost the tradition and history?

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 16:44:47 -0400

I wanted to ask this question and provide the following information in order to perpetuate knowledge. The US Army NCO sword (covered in TC 3-21.5, Appendix F) has been an official uniform item since 1840. But a casual series of questions to most NCO's reveals it's an almost unknown item. The few people aware of it's existence couldn't telll you how to properly utilize it, or what the ACTUAL, authorized sword looks like. You see the wrong sword used at ceremonies all the time. To that end, I'm including an image of the actual, authorized NCO sword and a summary of it's history. I hope this helps...

History of the United States Army NCO Sword
The Model 1840 Noncommissioned Officers' Sword was based on a German version of the infantry sword used by British troops during the Napoleonic Wars. In August of 1840, the United States Army Ordnance Department contracted with Schnitzler & Kirschbaum ( S&K )of Solingen, Prussia for 1000 swords of this pattern. Later, N.P. Ames Manufacturing Company of Cabotville received their first contract in 1844 to make this sword, followed by Ames Manufacturing Company of Cabotville (1847), then by Ames Manufacturing Company of Chicoppee , Mass in the 1850s.

The Model 1840 Army NCO sword was worn and saw frontline service by American sergeants during such great conflicts as the Mexican-American War (1846 - 1848), the Civil War (1861 - 1865), and the Spanish American War (1898). A shorter version with a 26 inch blade (the typical 1840 Army NCO sword sports a 31 inch blade) was carried by musicians, and thus was called the Model 1840 Musician's sword. NCO's of shorter stature and cadets also carried this variant. Other ranks allowed to carry it included Sergeant Major, Quartermaster, Ordnance Sergeant, Hospital Steward, Corporal and Pioneer (Combat Engineer).

Many of the Model 1840 Army NCO swords manufactured by the primary contractor, the Ames Manufacturing Company, were very badly manufactured with a blunt edge, but they still proved effective in combat, as the sword could be used like an iron club to break bones. The 1840 Army NCO sword was the main weapon of standard bearers and hospital stewards, as well as a secondary weapon for infantry NCO's. The sword was also used by the Confederates who captured many after seizing state arsenals.

The M1840 (1840 Army NCO sword) has had a long service life. In 1868 the United States Army ordnance board recommended that no more leather sword or bayonet scabbards be purchased. (the sword was originally was equipped with a leather scabbard), so after the leather ones were used up, a black Japanned steel scabbard was substituted along with a new pattern leather frog. The 1840 Army NCO sword 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 (Army Field Manual FM 3-21.5) and is mostly used during a regimental CSM (Sergeant Major or SGM) change of command as a symbolic transfer of authority between CSM's.

Some Army NCOs have this sword and wear it for social occasions, regardless of duty as a platoon sergeant or first sergeant. After all, the sword was originally designed for them. As the original 1840 Army NCO Sword could be carried - by regulation - by all Non-Commissioned Officers. This included the ranks of:
Sergeant-Major,
Quartermaster Sergeant,
Ordnance Sergeant,
Hospital Steward,
First Sergeant,
Sergeant,
Corporal, and
Pioneer.

The 1840 United States Army NCO Sword with leather scabbard
The United States Army NCO sword was adopted by the War Department in 1840. The Army NCO Sword has been worn by Army sergeants for over 100 years. It is primarily used today for honor guards and presentations such as PCS and change of command. Prior to 1868 the M1840 (1840 Army NCO sword) was equipped with a leather scabbard and this traditional sword is preferred by various units.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Sep 9 at 2019 5:34 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 17:34:29 -0400

I never received one when I made N C O.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Sep 9 at 2019 6:14 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 18:14:55 -0400

Swords in general are used very little. The NCO’s is used at military academy’s and some unit ceremony’s. The Officers sword is also used very little. There is a difference between history and tradition. History tells the story, traditions/customs are carried on and usually functional in one way or another. Thank you for your service.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Sep 9 at 2019 10:28 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 22:28:36 -0400

On the Navy side, there is an officer's sword that comes in different lengths depending on your height. Chiefs E-7 through E-9 are authorized the Navy cutlass. Both have to be purchased out of your own pocket. The stuff you find at the NAVEX tended to be either German or Spanish (Toledo) made, although there's a ton of knockoffs. Blades are round and very dull as these are no longer considered weapons. If you see a very old one that is originally sharp, then it'd be prior to 1949 which was when the Navy stopped issuing them.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2019 8:26 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 08:26:20 -0400

So, swords (for NCOs) and sabers (for Officers), are still used in ceremonies. I have seen them most commonly at military weddings (both with and without a saber ceremony where the bride and groom walk under the swords or sabers). I actually own both an NCO sword and officer saber. When I became an NCO many moons ago, a friend of mine gave me my NCO sword as a gift. The one I have is not actually the one you have pictured though (the one you pictured is the more expensive and authorized one worn by color guards). The one I have is the actual model 1840 replica which actually looks a bit different, but I prefer owning that one simply because it was the last Army NCO sword actually issued for combat purposes (the current one is for ceremony only). After I became an officer I wanted to own an officer version as well so I ended buying that one.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Sep 10 at 2019 9:30 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 09:30:29 -0400

For clarity, the version I posted is the ONLY authorized model 1840 NCO sword approved by NATICK.
NSN 8465-00-965-1676:
SWORD AND SCABBARD
(NSN [login to see] 676 / NIIN 009651676)

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2019 9:39 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 09:39:45 -0400

I was awarded the NCO sword by my GSE NCOIC on behalf of my entire platoon while serving in Area I, Korea while assigned as their platoon sergeant. I was very honored, because it was something I always wanted to earn. I never told anyone in my platoon that I always wanted to earn it, it was such an appreciated surprise! My GSE NCOIC also includes the history of the NCO sword. 61st SMC, 194th CSSB (TACON 70th BSB, 210th FA BDE) Camp Casey!!!

Response by SFC Michael D. made Sep 10 at 2019 11:30 AM

SFC Michael D. — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 11:30:26 -0400

I wish we would have been issued one. I have a thing for swords and blades.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Oct 28 at 2020 2:06 AM

MSG John Duchesneau — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 02:06:49 -0400

Let me say this about that -
Yes, the NCO sword was part of the uniform from 1840 into the late 1800s. I'm not sure when it was dropped but I would guess around 1900. If you look at photos of soldiers from the late 1800s you will be hard pressed to find one wearing a sword. (Aside from Cavalry troopers where is was one of their primary weapons and even then they are more likely to have carbines and pistols than swords.) Why? Wearing a sword all the time is a pain. During the Civil War Army Regulations say that officers will "wear swords on all occasions of duty" but did they? No! Check out photos of Union officers in the field - hardly any wear swords. Yes, they wore them in battle but not otherwise.
Okay, so by the Civil War, swords were all but obsolete for battlefield use and by the Spanish-American War they were totally obsolete.
As to being "an official uniform item since 1840" this is simply not true. Look at AR 670-1. Are swords mentioned anywhere? NO. Period. Swords are not part of the uniform. That does not mean they cannot be worn on appropriate occasions, as mentioned in FM 3-21.5 but they are not a part of the uniform. (Or, for that matter, listed as an authorized accessory.)

So what happened? Marlow White. They make their living selling dress uniforms mostly to officers and some highly motivated NCOs. They realized that some people wanted to buy swords and they were happy to sell them. In time they realized that there was no "high quality" NCO sword available so around 2000 and they asked WKC of Solingen, Germany (probably the best sword maker in the world) to make a US Army NCO sword - which they did. They then got Natick to approve it as Mil Spec and "voila!" the NCO sword was reborn. (BTW - it varies slightly from the M1840 NCO sword but that's picking nits.)

Yes, I do think the NCO sword is a good thing and it should be worn on appropriate occasions but it should also be seen for what it also is - a profit making scheme on the part of private enterprises. (BTW - you CANNOT buy an NCO or officer sword through Military Clothing Sales on post or online. More proof it is not really "official".)

Okay, so why do I have a chip on my shoulder? Like I said, I do like swords and think they should be worn on appropriate occasions. My objection is to creating history which does not exist. Yes, swords were once part of the uniform for enlisted men but, from about 1900 to 2000 they simply didn't officially exist. (BTW Cavalry sabers were equipment - not uniform items.) Can you show me a picture of an Army NCO wearing a sword taken in the 20th Century? I haven't seen one either.

Please understand that I am "old school". I joined way back in 1980 before there were the Army Values, the NCO Creed, the Warrior Ethos, Change of Responsibility ceremonies and a number of other quasi-religious traditions the Army has adopted. Yes, all those things are good - but don't think they go back to Valley Forge. Most don't even go back to Operation Desert Storm. (Since we are talking about NCOs - did you know that the Army didn't have any Sergeants Major from 1920 to 1958? Now you do.)

Again, I agree with the SFC who asked the question that swords are part of our military tradition and contribute to our esprit de corps and professionalism as NCOs. I just want to make clear that some old traditions are not continuous and have been revived in recent years with the mythos that their history in continuous. "This We'll Defend!"