Interesting method of holding sword

[markj]

The individual shown in this EBay listing, and in the attached image, is tentatively ID'd as a First Sergeant in the 67th Illinois although his coat is more akin to a company-grade officer's.

http://cgi.ebay.com/CDV-of-Union-Soldier-Idd-Signed-JAMES-H-RAYHILL_W0QQitemZ150266696579QQihZ005QQcategoryZ409QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

The man's method is of sword carriage is intriguing. If we allow for the obvious possibilities (i.e., he was either unfamiliar with how to properly hold a sword at the shoulder, or, conversely, his positioning was simply more comfortable for a fairly long exposure), the man shown seems to be holding his sword much in the same way as he would for a rifle-musket. I've seen another c.1862 image of an officer holding his sword in a similar fashion. This suggests, to me anyway, that some individuals elected to carry swords in this fashion simply because it was more comfortable or they may have been physically unable to do so due to injuries, etc.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

Yours, &c.,

Mark Jaeger

[BrianHicks]

Re: Interesting method of holding sword

The text describes him as a Sgt. The sword is not an NCO sword, but appears to be the typical Officers style. Very likely a prop provided by the photographer. Perhpas this is early war, perhaps right after his enlistment and election to rank and he has no real idea as to how the sword is to be carried.

[Rmhisteach]

Re: Interesting method of holding sword

Strangley enough he has an officers Kepi. I wonder what is up with that??

RM

[markj]

I have attached the image to which I referred in my last post. This is an extract from a photograph ID'd as showing the 50th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry at Beaufort SC in early 1862. Look closely and you'll see the officers are carrying their blades in at least 5 different ways! One of them has clearly adopted a split-finger carriage similar to that of a rifle-musket. Kick up Zoom to 200% and things will really pop out at you.

Several of the officers in the image can be identified including Colonel Benj. Christ. Here's a capsule history of the 50th PVI--I'm sorry to say a number of the individuals depicted in this image were subsequently KIA in later engagements.

http://www.pa-roots.com/~pacw/infantry/50th/50thorg.html

Yours, &c.,

Mark Jaeger

[McKim]

Re: Interesting method of holding sword

The second photo shows line and field officers at the 'Carry'. Linked below is a article that address the issue....and the very same picture.


http://www.lazyjacks.org.uk/sword.htm

[fedcampaigner]

Re: Interesting method of holding sword

Can anyone comment on the strap around his chest? At first glance I thought it could be a shoulder strap to his waisbelt but it doesn't seem to attach to the belt. What do y'all think?

[Andrew Kasmar]

Re: Interesting method of holding sword

Hi,

It could be a leather canteen strap, but this is just a guess.

[Matthew Semple]

Re: Interesting method of holding sword

Mr. Jaeger,

I am looking at the second picture you posted and have realized something remarkable:

Whenever I have to be in a long ceremony in full dress uniform with sword for the US Navy, I hold my sword in the same manner as the second individual pictured from the left. It is simply more comfortable for my hand and wrist over an extended period of time when holding it in this manner. I do this despite what accepted Navy sword drill for officers dictates.

So, I am drawing the conclusion that it is the personal choice of the officer carrying the sword despite what regulations state.

LT Matthew T. Semple, USN