West Point Cadets' Sword

West Point Cadets' Swords are swords that are traditionally worn by cadets of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York for official ceremonies such as parades, formations, and drills. Cadets always carry their swords while on guard duty; others who carry swords include the Officer of the Day, cadets who are under arms, honor counsel members at hearings, the color guard, and the band Drum Major. All cadets also wear swords at their graduation. All cadets under arms (i.e., those bearing weapons) must always wear a hat both inside and outdoors.

History

Pre1802

Before 1802 cadets were not issued swords, so they carried non-uniform swords, which they had to supply themselves.

1802 to 1839 Model 1802

There are many questions about the first cadet store issues swords. There are no known examples, nor are there any photos. Most students of the subject believe that from 1802 to 1839, the sword probably looked like (or was) the French Grenadier Sergeant's model used in the Revolutionary army.

1839 to 1872 Model 1839

Cadet swords made from 1839 to 1872 are very rare. Only 100 swords were ordered, and the only 2 known examples of 1839 swords belong to West Point. The hilt is made of solid brass and the wire wrap grip was silver plated.

1872 to 1922 Model 1872

Swords issued from 1872 to 1922 were made only by Ames, Lilley Company, then M.C. Lilley & Company, and then later the Lilley-Ames Company of Columbus, Ohio. This sword had an "MA" molded into the center of the brass hand guard. It was also engraved with "U.S.M.A." on the blade. This is important, because Lilley-Ames sold many swords to other military schools, such as the Citadel, so if it does not have "U.S.M.A." and "Lilley-Ames" on the sword, it was not a West Point Cadet sword.

The number of issued swords were made in limited production, Cadets were issued the dress swords it was not meant to be used as a weapon and most were returned them to the cadet store. Because cadets had no use for this type of sword in the Army, as Officers they carried another issue type. Cadets could always buy there own sword and many did. The real ones are rare. Most swords that I have seen are not real, just be sure of the makers name, U.S.M.A is engraved on the blade and that there is an "MA" molded into the center of the brass hand guard.

1923 to Present Model 1922

The sword used today by cadets, the model 1922, is a slightly modified version of the cadet sword adopted in 1872. Both types have a cruciform hilt of gilt brass, with silver-colored grips,both are engraved with "U.S.M.A." custom-etched on the front side of the double-edged blades, and nickel-plated-steel scabbards with gilt-brass mounts. The principal difference between the earlier and the present version is the change to a new ornament on the crossguard, which now displays an oval emblem bearing the helmet worn in Greek mythology by Athena, whose helmet design was incorporated into the Academy's heraldic arms and insignia in 1922. The 1872 sword had its "MA" displayed in the oval.

elling issues

U.S.M.A. cadet swords are copyrighted by the academy and are only sold at the academy's cadet store. The sword is issued to cadet seniors for free, but must be returned at the end of their senior year. Any cadet or alumnus can buy a new sword for their own for $124.95. The sword is made today only by WKC Stahl- und Metallwarenfabrik in Solingen Germany. This sword is not allowed to be sold new by anyone other than the cadet store at West Point.

There are some retail outlets that sell this sword new on the internet, although it is a violation of West Points policies.

References

1. "The American Sword", by Harold L. Peterson, 1954 ISBN 978-0960309412 ISBN 0486428028

2. " Cadet Gray", by Fredrick Todd 1955 ISBN 0595860230

4. " Civil War Collector’s Encyclopedia", by Francis Lord, 1963

5. " The Ames Sword Company 1829-1935", by John Hamilton, 1983 ISBN 0917218183 ISBN 978-0917218187

6. " Collectors’ Guide to Ames US Contract Military Edged Weapons: 1834-1906", by Ron Hickox, 1984 ISBN 0961306408 ISBN 978-0961306403

7. " American Swords and Sword Makers", by Richard Bezdek, 1994 ISBN 0873647653 ISBN 978-0873647656

8. " American Swords in the Phllip Medicus Collection", by Norm Flayderman, 1998

9. "' Civil War Cavalry and Artillery Sabers" by John Thillman, 2001 ISBN 9780917218927

ee also

* U.S. regulation swords

External links

* [http://reviews.ebay.com/USMA-West-Point-Sword_W0QQugidZ10000000002580709 Ebay Reviews- USMA-West Point Sword history 1802 to today]