| US Military Swords, Sabers, and Navy Cutlasses | | | | manufacturer during this period was a |
| “Their uses then and now” | | | | Massachusetts Company, Ames Manufacturing |
| Military swords have served as necessary | | | | Company. All United States Military Officers |
| weapons for the Army’s and Navy’s of | | | | continue to wear approved Swords for |
| the world, for many centuries. During the 17th | | | | ceremonial purposes. The US Marine Corps Non |
| and 18th centuries, the shorter | | | | Commissioned Officer is the only NCO, in the US |
| “smallsword” became an essential fashion | | | | Military, authorized to wear a sword as part of |
| accessory in European countries and the New | | | | their uniform. The Marine NCO Sword is the oldest |
| World, and most wealthy men and military | | | | sword in continuous use, since 1859, and the US |
| officers carried one. Prior to the First World War, | | | | Air Force, the newest, since 1955. Photos and |
| these swords were a part of military uniforms for | | | | descriptions of these approved swords can be |
| officers and enlisted personnel alike. The first US | | | | seen on Following retirement, or separation, most |
| Government contract for Military Swords was in | | | | Officer’s Swords and Marine NCO Swords |
| 1798 and was awarded to a US manufacturer in | | | | end up in a closet or a box in the attic. During the |
| Connecticut. Prior to the Civil War there was little | | | | last several years, there have been a variety of |
| need for US Military Swords. The US Government | | | | devises available, for displaying “Fantasy |
| purchased relatively small orders for swords and | | | | Swords” and Asian Military Swords. Until |
| cutlasses during the first half of the 19th century. | | | | recently, there has been little attention paid to the |
| These orders were placed with a variety of US | | | | design and crafting of quality displays for US |
| manufacturers. Beginning with the onset of the | | | | Military swords and Navy Cutlasses. There is now |
| Civil War, the need for Military Swords and Navy | | | | a small Spokane Valley, Washington company, |
| Cutlasses increased tremendously. More than half | | | | dedicated to producing, and offering, custom |
| the Swords made in the United States, were | | | | displays for US Military Swords. |
| made between 1861 and 1866. The leading Sword | | | | |