| US Military Swords, Sabers, and Navy Cutlasses | | | | there was little need for US Military Swords. The |
| "Their uses then and now" | | | | US Government purchased relatively small orders |
| Military swords have served as necessary | | | | for swords and cutlasses during the first half of |
| weapons for the Army's and Navy's of the world, | | | | the 19th century. These orders were placed with |
| for many centuries. During the 17th and 18th | | | | a variety of US manufacturers. |
| centuries, the shorter "smallsword" became an | | | | Beginning with the onset of the Civil War, the |
| essential fashion accessory in European countries | | | | need for Military Swords and Navy Cutlasses |
| and the New World, and most wealthy men and | | | | increased tremendously. More than half the |
| military officers carried one. Prior to the First | | | | Swords made in the United States, were made |
| World War, these swords were a part of military | | | | between 1861 and 1866. The leading Sword |
| uniforms for officers and enlisted personnel alike. | | | | manufacturer during this period was a |
| The first US Government contract for Military | | | | Massachusetts Company, Ames Manufacturing |
| Swords was in 1798 and was awarded to a US | | | | Company. |
| manufacturer in Connecticut. Prior to the Civil War | | | | |