Hand signals

[SouthernFed]

Wondering if any research has been done about hand signals used by mainly cavalry during the 1860's?

[T.Kern]

Re: Hand signals

There are no hand signals I've seen in any manual or account . There are directions for movements at a distance, such as circling the horse, to convey a message.
Todd Kern

[SouthernFed]

Re: Hand signals

Todd
Thanks I had not found any either just wanted to know if maybe someone had found something I had over looked. I do feel some where used but not in any manual.

[KyCavMajor]

Re: Hand signals

I have only seen this one brief blurb, and it isn't exactly "hand signals"


"Skimishers must be very exact in noticing and instantly obeying the signals made for their guidance whether proceeding from their immediate superior,as made by a wave of the arm and saber, or by the trumpet"

Cooke's, School of the Platoon, Page 158

But we know you Yankee Fellas don't use Cookes,
Just teasing you Todd K, that was typed with a smile on my face....:)

[markj]

Re: Hand signals

I did a cursory check through Google Books, but the earliest specific reference to cavalry hand signals I noted only dated back to around 1913 (i.e., just prior to WW I). There may, in fact, be earlier references, but I didn't see them.

From what I can tell, any hand signals used would likely have been informal and universally/traditionally recognized (e.g., extending one's right hand to signal "Halt"). It's certainly possible, at least in the Trans-Mississippi West, traditional Indian sign language may have been adapted on occasion for use by knowledgeable cavalrymen on both sides. However, I hasten to add this is pure speculation on my part.

Regards,

Mark Jaeger

[KyCavMajor]

Re: Hand signals

Todd
Thanks I had not found any either just wanted to know if maybe someone had found something I had over looked. I do feel some where used but not in any manual.

Hey Ron,
Did you miss the hand signal I gave you at Perryville? lol
Just kidding, we had a few good fights there with you guys.

[SouthernFed]

Re: Hand signals

Tod
You must have been sending the one finger message. The reason I ask the question is because in reenacting we do from time too time us signals and was wondering just maybe if they were used we could start using the correct ones.

[SouthernFed]

Re: Hand signals

Mark
Thanks for the info, Indian signs you just might be correct, Do you have any input on what they might have been using?