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Model 1850 Army Staff & Field Officers' Sword

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Model 1850 Staff and Field Officer's Sword
A replica of a Model 1850 Staff and Field Officer's Sword
TypeDress sword
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service1850-1872
Used byUnited States Army
WarsAmerican Civil War
Specifications
Blade length32 inches

Scabbard/sheathLeather or Steel

The Model 1850 Army Staff and Field Officer's Sword was carried by all members of staff departments, Field Grade officers of Artillery and Infantry, Company Grade Officers of Light Artillery, Staff Officers and Aides-de-Camp between 1850 and 1872. It was based on a French pattern.

Though other swords were allowed by the regulations, this model was by far the most popular sword carried by officers during the American Civil War. During the years before the war, many Confederate officers, including General Robert E. Lee carried this sword in the Indian campaigns.[1] Although intended for officers of the rank of major and above, since swords were items of private purchase and not government issue, there was nothing to stop officers of any rank from owning one.[2] The Staff and Field Officers' Sword is distinct from the Model 1850 Army Foot Officer's Sword.[3][4]

References

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  1. ^ "By The Sword - Model 1850 Staff and Field Officers Sword". www.by-the-sword.com. Retrieved 2020-01-23.
  2. ^ "Regulation Officer's Swords | Small Arms & Edged Weapons". American Civil War Forums. Retrieved 2020-01-23.
  3. ^ "M1850 Staff & Field Officer Sword". The Regimental Quartermaster. The Model 1850 Army Staff and Field Officer's Sword was carried by all members of staff departments.
  4. ^ "Swords in the American Civil War". The Bangor Historical Society.
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