Infantry Officers Carrying Cavalry Swords

[Johan Steele]

Re: Infantry Officers Carrying Cavalry Swords

Three officers, three different swords. Also of note is that the only forage cap is on an officer. As they atre carrying M1842 I believe it to be at the time of Shiloh +/- and absolutely no later than Vicksburg.

[Rob Murray]

Re: Infantry Officers Carrying Cavalry Swords

Does anyone make those fake boot tops like he is wearing? I've seen them dozens of times in images, but never at an event. Underrepresented!! WooHoo!

Joe, Maybe they're India Rubber?;) Just sayin'.

[GBaylor]

Re: Infantry Officers Carrying Cavalry Swords

Most of the citations I've read on this thread are of Field Grade officers or staff officers. Cavalry sabers are decidedly heavier than Foot Officer swords. The M1851 Swordbelt has a shoulder strap for a reason (to support the weight of the saber).Those of us in the mounted arm, find that sabers are an encumberance while on foot (especially while skirmishing).

My advice, for what its worth, is unless the individual you're portraying is know for carrying a cavalry saber while being primarily dismounted, then go for it. I hope you're over six foot tall. If your sword belt has no shoulder strap, then get used to the saber pulling your belt down.

Respectfully,
John Sweeney
Valley Lighthorse.