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century was designed with the classical helmet facing sinister (to the heraldic left or viewer's right). In 1922 it was pointed out that this was counter to the best heraldic usage which places the greater honor on the dexter side (the heraldic right or viewer's left). The helmet was then turned to face dexter. All swords bearing the crest that have been examined have had the helmet facing dexter. The earliest examples of these are well made with brass grips. The straight blade is double-edged with a wide central fuller on both sides running from the ricasso to within 8 inches of the point. It is etched on the obverse side of the blade "U.S.M.A." The hilt resembles that on the previous specimen except for the changes in the proportions of the elements, the use of white metal for the grips, and the use of the seal instead of the letters "MA" on the guard. The scabbard is exactly the same except that the body is chrome plated.
181:
by the
Ordance Department for the U.S. Military Academy and V.M.I. In any event, cadet swords were inspected and die-stamped with the inspector's initials, the initials "US" and the year of acceptance. Hickox points out that V.M.I ordered the sword before the U.S. Military Academy did, and requested that the V.M.I. sword be marked appropriately, leaving the choice to N.P. Ames. Ames did not furnish cadet swords to the Academy prior to April 1840. The original order for 100 swords was not recorded. Hickox can only show 2 delivery dates to the Academy for cadet swords, 100 on 30 November 1849 for $ 11.00 each, and another 100 on 25 July 1856 for $ 10.00 each. Both orders were probably of the same pattern.
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non-commissioned officers' sword. There are ferrules decorated with floral scrolls at both ends of the grips. The pommel is an inverted section of a cone bearing an eagle with arrows and palms in low relief on both sides and a scroll at the top pierced for a sword knot. The guard consists of straight cross quillons with eagle head finials on both ends and an oval cartouch in the center of the obverse side which is surrounded by floral sprays and bears the letters "MA" in old
English script. The entire hilt is cast brass. The scabbard is iron which may originally have been blued, but which is now bright. There are a throat with a stud for a frog and tip with an asymmetrical drag, both of brass.
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49:. The basic cadet sword might not be made from the same materials specified by the Academy and is sold without USMA heraldry, and can be purchased almost anywhere. The basic cadet sword has been or is made in Germany, India, Spain, and China, but not all swords are of the same quality. Variations of the sword are used at Virginia Military Institute and other military academies and schools worldwide.
204:. The ovid pommel is decorated with an applied Federal eagle. The crossguard bears the monogram M.A. in old English block letters (Military Academy). The straight single-edged blade is fitted to a browned metal scabbard trimmed with silvered mounts. The reverse side of the hilt is stamped with the numeral "15". Blade length: 28 inches. (Springfield Arsenal Museum)
17:
355:
The Supply
Section at the Academy frequently uses parts from one sword to repair another, which is a source of considerable confusion. Peterson on page 181 shows a photograph of Cadet M.M. Kimmel, U.S.M.A., Class of 1857, with a sword of this type that postdates the model by 10 years, and Todd points
316:
Adding to the confusion is a
Frederck T. Chatman illustration dated 1885. It shows two cadets, the first in Summer and Full Dress, the other in White Fatigues. Both cadets' swords are well displayed and parts of the swords predate the first orders from 1872 with parts from a model 1839 issued sword.
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The first pictorial evidence that can be found of the use of the sword is a photograph of a group of cadets from the class of 1875. It is known that this pattern was not used in 1870, but the exact date of the change between this model and the previous one has not been determined. In 1872 there were
180:
The first distinctive West Point cadet sword appeared in late 1840. A small sword with straight cross quillon, shield shaped langets, wire wrapped grips and an urn pommel. This sword was made by the Ames
Manufacturing Company, Chicopee, Massachusetts. It is believed that cadet swords were purchased
40:
for wear when the uniform is designated as "under arms," to include formal functions, drill, parades, inspections and graduation. The swords are issued to cadets in their First Class (4th) year, and are returned to the
Academy upon separation, although Cadets have the option of buying their saber or
274:
Ordnance
Department records show that James T. Ames delivered the 100 Cadet swords, in addition to other swords, on July 25, 1856. The cadet swords were priced at $ 10.00 each, as specified in Col. Talcott's letter of August 22, 1849, and they are probably of the same pattern as the Model 1850 made
223:
Sir: I request that you will have made immediately, for use of the Corps of Cadets at the U.S. Military
Academy at West Point, thirty swords. It is believed that you have the pattern on hand. If you are not quite certain, however, of it, you will request Capt. B.R. Alden Commdg. Corps of Cadets, to
159:
Most of the first cadets at the
Military Academy were from artillery and engineer organizations, and so it is presumed that yellow mounted swords were almost universal. On 4 September 1816 a General Order specified that cadet swords were to be "cut and thrust, yellow mounted, with black grips, in a
372:
At some time after 1922, the West Point sword was modified to carry the seal of the
Academy representing the Athenian helmet of Greek mythology, reflecting the adoption of this into the Academy's coat of arms, instead of the letters "MA" on its guard. The seal as adopted about the turn of the 20th
110:
The sword is based on that used by the US Army when USMA was founded (16 March 1802). The first swords used were legacies from the Army following the formation of the Academy in 1802 and are believed to have been similar to the 1767 French Grenadier Sergeant's sword used in the Revolutionary Army.
240:
Sir: Your letter of the 20th inst. has been received and you will be pleased to furnish this department with one hundred cadet swords, at the price of ten dollars, stated by you, thirty of which to be completed and delivered at as early a time as practicable, being required for issue to the U.S.
208:
Little information is available concerning the precise pattern of the cadet swords ordered from the Ames Manufacturing Company by the U.S. Ordnance Department and few specimens have been located to date. It is believed that the cadet swords were purchased by the Ordnance Department for the U.S.
209:
Military Academy, West Point, New York, and the Virginia Military Institute (V.M.I.), Lexington. Cadet swords were inspected and die-stamped with the inspector's initials, 'US,' and the year of acceptance. This sword was also sold by Ames to other Academies and private buyers until 1923.
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The straight blade is diamond-shaped in cross-section and tapers evenly to the point. It has a strong square ricasso, the obverse side of which is stamped "U.S. ARMORY/SPRINGFIELD." The grips are cast to resemble wire wrapping, and apparently the same mould was used as that for the 1840
145:
Prior to the founding of the United States Military Academy in 1802, cadets served an apprenticeship in the field with the troops. After 1802, the only cadets covered by Army regulations were those at West Point. Army cadet swords before 1802 are mentioned in three existing sources:
44:
The Ames model 1850 seems to be the grandparent of this type of Academy sword. The Academy added specific heraldry to their sword starting in 1872. Other academies customized their swords, but now only 2 remain. The West Point-specific Cadet Sword is sold only to current cadets and
300:
There are several minor variations in this pattern. Some are made by private makers such as E&F Horster (Germany), Meyers, Rock Island, Ames, as well as the swords of the Springfield Armory, and are etched "U.S.M.A." in a cartouch on the obverse side of the blade.
119:
Swords used at USMA have copyrights and trademarks. They are controlled by the Directorate of Logistics, Cadet Services Division, Supply Branch and Service and Issue Center which now manages the maintenance of the swords, and their issue to qualified cadet officers.
41:
purchasing a newly made one. Despite its straight blade and lack of a knuckle guard, it is referred to by USMA staff and cadets as a "saber," likely because the commands for its manual of arms utilize that term as the command of execution (e.g. "Draw...sabers!")
98:
In 1841, the superintendent of the Academy ordered that sashes were to be worn with the sword. US Army generals continued to wear silk sashes in full dress until 1917 when this practice ceased in the US Army, but it has continued at the Academy.
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At one time there was an attempt to issue the plainer Armory products to the non-commissioned officers of the Cadet Regiment and the fancier models to the officers, but this was abandoned and the swords were then issued indiscriminately.
152:
On 22 September 1800, the Superintendent of Military Stores, Samuel Hodgdon, wrote to John Harris, a military storekeeper, that cadet and noncommissioned officers' swords should be brass mounted with cut and thrust blade 30 inches long.
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many other changes in the sword regulations for the Army, and so this has been tentatively selected as the date for the change in the West Point sword, although it actually could have occurred as early as 1871 or as late as 1875.
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There is no further mention of cadet swords in the Regulations until 1839, when it was stated that they were to be of the type worn by the Pay Department, which then carried gilt mounted small swords with black scabbards.
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Sir: It was supposed from your letter of the 2nd May, last, that 100 Cadets' swords would have been delivered...they are much wanted, and I request that they be furnished at the earliest day practicable...S/G H.K. Craig
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The price last paid for your cadet swords was $ 11. It is expected that you can afford to make these for less now. If so, I may be induced to extend the number to one hundred. Be pleased to let me hear from you. S/G.
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The regulations of 1839 are the last to mention cadet swords, when it was stated that cadets were to wear the swords worn by the Pay Department, a gilt-mounted small sword with a black scabbard.
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Cadet Officer's sword, U.S. Military Academy, c. 1862. Blade marked: AMES MFG. CO. / CHICOPEE / MASS. in a scroll, and U.S. / J.H. / 1862. The silver-plated, cruciform hilt is derived from the
356:
to an illustration by Fredrick T. Chatman on page 60, dated 1885, showing cadets under arms carrying swords that predated the model by 20 years. The rebuilding of the swords continues today.
156:
In 1801, a set of regulations was published stating that cadet swords should be the same as platoon officers' swords, 28-inch cut and thrust blade mounted according to the branch of service.
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U.S.M.A. cadet swords are copyrighted by the Academy and are only sold at the Academy's cadet store. Any cadet or alumnus is at liberty to purchase a new sword for personal use.
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In 1955, Frederick P. Todd noted that today the West Point cadet officer is the only person in the Army who wears a sword and sash, and is the sole guardian of the tradition.
52:
The major differences between the two can be seen at left for the U.S.M.A. blade and at right for the standard Academy sword. The blade etching can be seen in a photo below.
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The sword is also used for drills or less formal military formations, when it is worn on a black leather belt around the waist with a brass buckle bearing the academy arms.
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The final Ordnance Department order for Ames-manufactured cadet swords is somewhat confusing, because the original order for 100 swords was not recorded.
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On 30 March 1800, a General Order required cadets to wear a sword with a cut and thrust blade between 28 and 32 inches long and with a gilt hilt.
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744:, A Pictorial History Of Life At West Point As Seen Through Its Uniforms by Frederick P. Todd 1955 reprint 2011 by Literary Licensing. LLC
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These swords were issued to cadet officers and non-commissioned officers between 1802 and 1839. There are no known surviving examples.
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Ron G Hickox COLLECTOR'S GUIDE TO AMES U.S. CONTRACT MILITARY EDGED WEAPONS: 1832-1906 page 19. Pioneer Press. Union City, Tn. 1984.
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A total of 253 swords were produced by the Springfield Armory between 1868 and 1914 with a subsequent order for scabbards in 1920.
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907:
https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=d3c0796f86ce398aa1ad7b1365cb551f&tab=documents&tabmode=list
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The following correspondence was sent by the Chief of Ordnance (Records Group 156), to either N.P. Ames or James T. Ames:
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Swords were ordered from the Springfield Armoury until 1920, after which they were subject to competitive procurement.
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model was used at the Academy between 1839 and 1947 although for mounted drill rather than for ceremonial purposes.
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The Academy Store manages the sale of swords to cadets, alumni members and other authorized Academy Store patrons.
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that is hung from the right shoulder to the left waist, and a red silk sash is worn round the waist. A
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902:
http://ww2.rediscov.com/spring/VFPCGI.exe?IDCFile=/spring/DETAILS.IDC,SPECIFIC=15242,DATABASE=objects
37:
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A copy of USMA CSB-0146 Oct 2010 which is the new design can be found at the FedBizOpps.gov website
60:
In full dress or while under arms the sword and scabbard are worn mounted from a white cotton sword
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Model-1872 (maker unknown) to the present model-1922 have all had their blades marked in this way.
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Ron C Hickox Collectors guide to AMES U.S. Contracts Military Edge Weapons 1832 - 1906 page 13-14
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Armory records show that between 1868 and 1920, the following numbers of swords were accepted:
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frog belt..." These specifications were repeated in the Regulations of 1820, 1821, and 1825.
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Damaged and defective examples may be repaired or broken down and the components re-used.
69:
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John D. Hamilton THE AMES SWORD COMPANY 1829-1935. Mowbray Company. Providence, R.I. 1983
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http://www.oldswords.com/articles/THE%20U%20S%20%20MODEL%201839%20CADET%20SWORD%201.pdf
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65:
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Cadet Gray: A Pictorial History Of Life At West Point As Seen Through Its Uniforms
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Cadet Gray: A Pictorial History Of Life At West Point As Seen Through Its Uniforms
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Marlow White is the present U.S. distributors to West Point for the cadet swords.
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in response to that letter. The Civil War caused a delay in delivery for 7 years.
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Burton A Kellersetdt "Swords and Sabers of the Armory at Springfield" page 75
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Collector's Guide to Ames U. S. Contract Military Edged Weapons: 1832-1906
244:
The 100 Cadet swords were delivered by the Ames firm on November 30, 1849.
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794:
Collectors’ Guide to Ames US Contract Military Edged Weapons: 1834–1906
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is worn centered on the breast. This uniform is formal and is worn on
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16:
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Harold L. Peterson The American Sword 1775-1945 page 177 & 178
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The first swords procured for the Academy were delivered in 1838.
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29:
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The Army called it home Military Interiors of the 19th Century
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Eickhorn Solingen Exported custom made swords to distributors
681:
Harold L. Peterson The American Sword 1775-1945 page 182-183
764:. by John Hamilton, Mowbray Company. Providence, R.I. 1983.
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Lilley-Ames Company of Columbus, Ohio Maker, distributors
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Harold L. Peterson The American Sword 1775-1945 page 178
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Harold L. Peterson The American Sword 1775-1945 page 177
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Harold L. Peterson The American Sword 1775-1945 page 182
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Harold L. Peterson "The American Sword" 1775-1945 p 182
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Springfield Armory Museum, U.S. Sword Model 1850 Cadet.
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The United States M 1839 Cadet sword. Richard Wagner
463:
WKC makes today's West Points Cadets Sword in Germany
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Horstmann Company Philadelphia PA Maker, distributors
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Closeup of the hilt bearing the Athenian helmet seal.
917:is available for free viewing and download at the
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834:American Swords in the Phllip Medicus Collection
436:M.C. Lilley & Company Maker, distributors
259:The only letter found concerning the swords is:
288:West Point Cadet Sword Model-1872 Maker unknown
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231:
214:
892:http://wkc-solingen.de/newshop/uswespoint.html
853:Swords and Sabers of the Armory at Springfield
8:
897:http://springfieldedge.com/sword_m-1872.html
457:Hilborn Hamburger Inc. New York distributors
451:N.S. Meyer, Inc. N.Y.C. N.Y. distributors
503:
419:Past makers, distributors and exporters
840:Civil War Cavalry and Artillery Sabers
439:V.H. Blackington, Maker, distributors
7:
658:page 60 Frederick P. Todd Cadet Gray
445:E.F Horster Solingen Germany, Maker
196:Model 1850 West Point Cadet Sword.
768:Civil War Collector’s Encyclopedia
454:Gemsco Inc. New York distributors
448:Henderson-Ames Maker, distributors
72:and Honor Council Meetings by the
14:
424:Ames Mfg. Co. Maker, distributors
176:Model 1839 West Point Cadet Sword
20:West Point Cadet Sword Model-1923
814:American Swords and Sword Makers
774:The Ames Sword Company 1829–1935
762:The Ames Sword Company 1829–1935
378:WKC Stahl- und Metallwarenfabrik
530:"Military Academy Cadet Saber"
477:United States Military Academy
241:Corps of Cadets. S/G. Talcott
34:United States Military Academy
1:
388:Future West Point Cadet Sword
224:send you a sword as a model.
91:1959 M.S. Meyers Basic Sword.
699:. Sterling Pub. Co. p.
560:. Sterling Pub. Co. p.
376:The current manufacturer is
941:Swords of the United States
967:
951:Ames Manufacturing Company
836:, by Norm Flayderman, 1998
816:, by Richard Bezdek, 1994
691:Frederick P. Todd (1955).
552:Frederick P. Todd (1955).
202:NCO sword, pattern of 1840
776:, by John Hamilton, 1983
861:by William L. Brown III
855:by Burton A. Kellerstedt
492:Shoulder belt (military)
26:West Point Cadets' Sword
842:by John Thillman, 2001
770:, by Francis Lord, 1963
796:, by Ron Hickox, 1984
482:U.S. regulation swords
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914:Manual Of Cadet Saber
512:"Wearing the Uniform"
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428:Ames, Lilley Company
38:West Point, New York
430:Maker, distributors
255:Ames Regulation 543
115:Custody and control
946:Ceremonial weapons
722:Harold L. Peterson
718:The American Sword
370:
351:Plus 100 scabbards
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82:Officer of the Day
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874:by Ron G. Hickox
848:978-0-917218-92-7
829:978-0-87364-765-6
822:978-0-87364-765-6
809:978-0-9613064-0-3
802:978-0-9613064-0-3
789:978-0-917218-18-7
782:978-0-917218-18-7
750:978-1-258-12356-7
737:978-0-486-42802-4
730:978-0-9603094-1-2
516:VMI official page
56:Wear and mounting
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919:Internet Archive
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84:and Graduation.
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155:
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148:
144:
141:
128:
125:
122:
118:
109:
101:
97:
94:
66:breast plate
59:
51:
43:
25:
23:
742:Cadet Gray:
384:, Germany.
348:Total - 253
345:1914 - 50
342:1893 - 50
339:1882 - 50
336:1880 - 14
333:1876 - 28
330:1874 - 25
327:1868 - 36
263:Ord. Office
233:Ord. Office
74:color guard
935:Categories
757:1258123568
712:References
360:Model 1922
280:Model 1872
216:Ord Office
188:Model 1850
168:Model 1839
138:Model 1802
78:Drum Major
471:See also
382:Solingen
228:Talcott.
198:Caption:
724:, 1954
70:parades
878:
865:
846:
827:
820:
807:
800:
787:
780:
755:
748:
735:
728:
133:Models
106:Design
47:alumni
720:, by
498:Notes
405:sabre
399:Sabre
30:cadet
876:ISBN
863:ISBN
844:ISBN
825:ISBN
818:ISBN
805:ISBN
798:ISBN
785:ISBN
778:ISBN
753:ISBN
746:ISBN
733:ISBN
726:ISBN
487:Sash
24:The
380:in
36:at
937::
701:66
663:^
570:^
562:40
514:.
403:A
395:.
80:,
76:,
921:.
703:.
564:.
532:.
518:.
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