Civil War Manual of the Sword 

It was awfully nice of you to time travel from the Civil War to teach us this! Have you found out what happened to Lincoln yet?

Finally, seeing someone do the manual of the sword properly! Having just been promoted myself and learning the sword manual and proper ways to hang and carry make all the difference. While I'm low in the officer rank, I was able to get my fellow officers in a regional umbrella unit to stop doing the British style of present arms and sweeping the blades out. All I did was show them the manual and if you have The Carry down properly, then the whole fingernails to the front already happens. Trying to find a metal scabbard sword is so hard these days. I truly dislike my leather scabbard and want to find a sword with a metal scabbard.

As you pointed out, a 2 pound bar of steel doesn't have to be sharp to do damage.

I love these information videos with how to properly do things, and tips and I thank you for that.

I believe there is some problems with how present is shown, for example, the hilt should be roughly shoulder-height on the first motion. My thought is that the reference to the arm being horizontal that you're thinking of may be from present - arms, of the musket manuals. If you have a reference for this for the sword though, I'd love to be informed. Otherwise, the rest of the video is good and discusses many of the reenactorisms of Officer's Swords.

As someone stepping up to an officer position thank you for this vid

If i am not interrupting your day at all with these questions of mine i have two. One can y'all do a video on how to tie the officer's waist sash i would a assume it is the same for NCOs to. And did officers in the sharpshooters ever have to use there swords to protect them selves? Thanks😀

Good to know those basic safety rules with swords and you look fantastic in that uniform! Thanks.

I never knew that. Thanks for the demonstration. Glad your company keeps up with all of the details.

Captain Whitehall, thank you for a fine presentation, sir.

I’ve always been more of a broadsword guy. My first sword was the 1796 English heavy cavalry “bonecrusher” loved that thing

The USMC really tightens everything up for reasons explained.

Would it be possible if you could add links to the referenced photos so that we could see them? Thanks!

*LIKED* another find video Cpt. Whitehall

If you’re left handed, are you authorized to wear your sword on the opposite side? I would imagine for uniformity purposes, drill & ceremony maneuvers would be conducted with the right hand, but how would it actually work in a combat scenario?

Veary good vid. I have a question. How ofthen did officer had to use their sword to defend themselvs? and if they really didn't what was the main reason for them to have a sword?

Very good information. How does a lower rank officer while carrying a sword in the scabbard salute a higher rank officer or return a salute to a enlisted man also while carrying the sword unsheathed? New video ?

Well done !

I have seen a few photos of officers in parade rest leaning on their swords with the sword in front. Was that in the manual or just the fashion of the time.

Does this manual apply to nco swords also?

Man you look fabulous.

Another vary informative video from Captain Whitehall. Do you know were the sword you own was bought from. I know it was a gift to you so you may not know but if you do it would be of great help!☺

Manassas my home, stupid but sincere question, 30,000 in the latrines.... How polluted was bull run (area)? And for how long? Never thought about it until I saw this video - but clearly it was a major problem

Love these videos thank you. Quick question... I visited the Fall creek sutler site and they mention their swords are not tempered. Would you know of a manufacturer that makes functional swords and sabres of this era that have decent accuracy in terms of appearance and handling and balance? Am looking (for instance) at some of the Windlass Co. swords, not sure of their quality in terms of historical accuracy tho...

How did Generals Meade and Sherman salute, I believe while on horseback, the President at the Grand Review?

In the British army and Commonwealth tradition,presenting arm movement is by bringing the sword upward by the handguard is putted infront of your mouth just like act of kissing it and lowering it and bring it up again and hold it as usual in L-shaped arm with the sword pointing upward and we are not presenting sword like swinging it to your side.You can watch Trooping of the colour ceremony to watch how the officer doing it😁😁😁

Will anyone from your company be at Gettysburg?

Damn nice sword

So my dad has a sword from his days in the US Marine Corps. Can I carry his sword because it is a family heirloom that has been passed down to me as of 3 weeks ago.

Question, is there any combat manuals from period? I am having trouble finding references to any

What manual can I find evidence for the more restrained present arms using the sword? I was having this debate with another reenactor and both of us are basing it largely on word of mouth rather than direct evidence.

Great video!

Exelente instruction

Is that a Windlass? I have one of those and an original 1850. I also have an 1845/55 french infantry saber. Very similar

Very interesting video. Thank you Capt. Whitehall

Do you have the reference for sword manual? Great demo!

Would this apply to the musicians sword?

How would you carry a sword or sabre like on infantry parade without the hannging hoop?

I seriously wonder did officers use their swords as weapons? If not what was the sword actually used for in the civil war?

Very nice video. I'm looking for a replica sword. All ive seen so far is the windlass. But I'm not sure if that's any good? Is this one a windlass? Because it looks very nice..

Ah yes, the true concern: his knuckles, knees and shins. Not any other place.

Where are you out of?

Did officers foot officers in the sharpshooters/common infantry carry the m1860 and/or 1840 cavalry saber. And how common was this if so THANKS!☺

I need to learn the officer forward March on the double quick charge and line And retreat

salutee

So are your swords not sharp because you're reenacting or are they not sharp due to the same reasons the cavalry sabers were not sharp?

Were did you get your green (sharpshooter) officer shoulder boards from i have looked for them but cannot find them. Thanks!😃

You said that YOUR sword wasn't sharp but the tip could do a lot of damage. I am assuming you do not keep the edge of your sword sharp because it is a lot safer than to have a razor sharp sword and you are never going to actually use your sword in the actual battles you re-enact. I think that is a good practice and all who carry swords in the re-enactments should adhere to that safety standard. I will say however that when the civil war was going on or at any other time in history that a sword was used in battle that they were sharpened to as sharp as they could be sharpened. A dull sword will not perform as well as a sword that is as sharp as you can make it. A very sharp sword was a devastating weapon and a swordsman did not have to put as much force into a sword stroke to do a tremendous amount of damage. A sword is made to slice, not to chop unless it was a great sword with a straight blade. Those were two handed swords and were for different purposes. A one handed sword is a much more finely used instrument that you really had to be taught how to use in a battle of one on one swordsmanship. A gentleman who carried a sword usually had some training from an expert teacher.

I think the point direction with the sword is actually a British thing