Civil War Arms and Equipment
Exploring the weapons and technology of the Civil WarCivil War Knives and Swords
When it comes to “edged weapons” of the Civil War, we are referring mostly to bayonets, swords, knives, and sabers. While the number of edged weapons in the field was high, they actually inflicted very few injuries. Of a reported 250,000 injured soldiers treated in Union hospitals during the war, only 922 were reported to have been injured by what was referred to as an “edged weapon.”
Most of the edged weapons were considered “prestigious.’” Officers carried them, as did many of the mounted soldiers. They symbolized the authority of an officer, but were very rarely unsheathed. Edged weapons were also presented to soldiers for an increase in rank, or as rewards for valiant effort on the battlefield. Skilled cavalrymen were able to make the sword a dangerous weapon, but because of the close combat necessary to make a kill, they preferred a skirmish type of tactic that allowed the use of revolvers and carbine rifles from the perimeter.
Officer Swords
By far the majority of swords carried by both Union and Confederate officers during the Civil War were either the Model 1850 Sword for Officers of the Staff and Field or the similar Model 1850 Sword for Foot Officers. Staff and Field officers were those having ranks of colonel, lieutenant colonel, or major; Foot Officers were the company-grade officers or so-called line officers of both infantry and artillery who served on foot: all the various lieutenants and captains. Other officers’ swords and sabers which will not be considered here include the seldom-seen General officers’, medical staff, engineers, topographical engineers, and officers of mounted services, cavalry and mounted or horse artillery. The mounted service officers carried versions of the enlisted cavalry and artillery sabers with additional embellishment on the pommel cap, knucklebow or guard, and engraved blades.
The NCO Sword
The Model 1840 noncommissioned officers’ sword was based primarily on a sword used by the French Army. The sword had a 31″ blade and the hilt was made of cast brass and resembled officer swords. The sword had a blunt edge and primarily carried by noncommissioned officers, hospital stewards, and some musicians.
Civil War Dagger
Howitzers were short-b
Coupled to the 6-pounder field gun in allocations of the pre-war Army, the 12-pounder field howitzer was represented by Models of 1838 and 1841. With a light weight and respectable pr
Civil War Bowie Knife
The Bowie knife was one of the most prized weapons of the infantry, especially in the Confederacy. A great variety of sheath knives, as well as small clasp knives, were carried and used in camp life as much if not more than they ever were used in combat, but all soldiers on both sides carried some sort of knife at all times.
Other Edged Weapons
Bayonets
The Civil War Bayonet was a sharpened piece of steel with a ring on the end that slid over the barrel of a rifle, it was then turned and locked into place. The effectiveness of the Civil War bayonet was more psychological than physical as only about 1% of Civil War casualties were actually a result of a bayonet wound. The most famous bayonet charge was ordered by Colonel Joshua Chamberlain during the Battle of Gettysburg. More often than not soldiers used the bayonet as an everyday tool around their camp rather than a weapon.
Pikes
The pike came in various sizes and could be either thrown at the enemy or used to fend off cavalry attacks. The pike is a formidable infantry weapon that ranged from six to eight feet in length and included a spear-shaped head and the staff was made of ash.
Lance
The lance was similar to the pike, but it typically had a more blunt end, used more to pound than to impale. It was also very effective when arms were in short supply. This was the case with the army of the Confederacy, who passed an act that set up two companies in each regiment with pikes and lances.
Saber
The cavalry saber is a 41″ long sword made of steel with a brass guard, leather-wrapped grip and steel scabbard was used by US cavalry during the American Civil War.
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Vocabulary
Bayonet – A blade that may be fixed to the muzzle of a rifle and used to stab an opponent in hand-to-hand fighting.
Scabbard – a sheath for the blade of a sword or dagger, typically made of leather or metal.
Pommel – a rounded knob on the end of the handle of a sword, dagger, or old-fashioned gun.
Saber – A heavy cavalry sword with a curved blade and a single cutting edge.
Hilt – the handle of a weapon or tool, especially a sword, dagger, or knife.
Tang – a projecting shank or prong on a knife or sword to connect with the handle.
Cutalass – A short sword with a slightly curved blade, formerly used by sailors.
Socket – hollow part of a bayonet that fits over the end of the musket barrel.
Belt Frog – a sheath suspended from a belt and supporting a scabbard.