Manual of the Sword
"Draw me not without reason, Sheath me not without honor"
Introduction
Officers on all duties under arms draw and return sword without waiting for any command. All commands given to soldiers under arms are given with the sword or sabre drawn. [5]
Nomenclature of the Sword / Sabre
How the Sword is Worn
When on duty, the sword will be hooked up by the upper hook, the sword reversed, edge to the rear, gripe (grip) forward. [2, 3]
We must start by hanging the scabbarded sword properly from the slings on the sword belt.
The novice always seems to hang the sword from the hook on the belt, but hangs it the same way it hangs from the straps - guard forward and drag to the rear. This gets in the way while walking, interferes with ladies dresses or other persons walking close by, hits the ground, is inconvenient when sitting down, and can bang on the steps or trip the wearer while going up or down ladders or stairs.
The hook hanging from the left side of the belt at the top of the front sword strap is to carry the sword while not drawn from the scabbard (all branches). There is not a reference in Naval Regulations or in Hardee's concerning carrying or hanging officers' swords. However, period naval, marine and army photos show the accepted manner.
The proper way to hang the sword when not in use is to seize the upper ring between the thumb and the fore finger of the left hand, back of the hand up, raising the scabbard, whilst turning the hilt toward the body, until it points to the rear; passing the ring over the hook attached to the waist-belt. It is obvious that elevating the sword and hanging it with the drag (point) forward was the desired result more than the guard to the rear. The left elbow can be slightly pressed against the body and forward of the properly hung sword guard while walking. This keeps the drag forward and resting slightly across the left leg and out of the way of feet and people in the rear. The left hand falls naturally on the scabbard to rotate the drag of the sword further up and forward out of the way when sitting down and going up and down stairs. See figures 1 through 3. This manner may be observed in period photos in The Image of War, Vols. I and III.
To Draw the Sword (in two motions)
Bring the right hand quickly to the position of salute [with arms] - palm to the left; at the same movement seize the scabbard (between the mouthpiece and upper hook) with the left hand and turn the sword, bringing the guard to the front; pass the right hand through the sword knot (if you have one), and seize the gripe. Draw the sword from the scabbard by extending the right arm easily; turn the hand and bring the sword to the position about to be described below (The Carry). [3]
The Carry (Shoulder Arms)
The arm nearly extended, back of the blade against the shoulder; sword supported by the thumb and two first fingers, extended and placed on the gripe in such a manner that in raising the sword to the salute, etc., the fingers can be introduced inside the guard, and a firm grasp of the sword obtained without effort. [3] The right hand will be supported against the right hip. [4]
To Return the Sword (in two motions)
Raise the sword perpendicularly, point up, the flat of the blade opposite the right eye, the guard at the height of the shoulder-elbow supported by the body; carry the hand to the left opposite the left shoulder, and reverse the sword; insert the point of the blade in the scabbard which is held by the left hand. - Insert the blade, withdraw the hand from the sword knob; with the left hand turn the sword, back of the blade to the front, hilt behind the arm; drop the hands by the side. [3]
The Salute Three times (or pauses).
To salute with the sword or sabre [from Shouldered Arms]
1st At the distance six paces from the person to be saluted, raise the sword or sabre perpendicularly, the point up, the flat of the blade opposite to the right eye, the guard at the height of the shoulder, and the elbow supported on the body.
2nd Drop the point of the sword or sabre by extending the arm, so that the right hand may be brought to the side of the right thigh, and remain in that position until the person to whom the salute is rendered shall be passed, or shall have passed, six paces.
3rd Raise the sword or sabre smartly and place the back of the blade against the right shoulder. [3,4]
Present
For Present Arms, Upton specifies two movements. At “Present,” the 1st motion of the Salute is executed. At “Arms,” the blade is
dropped [4].Thesword is kept at the 2d position as long as the men are at Present Arms. Officers return to the Carry at “1.
Shoulder (Carry). 2. Arms.” [1]
Order Arms from Shoulder (Carry) Arms:
Drop the sword to the front, the edge down, point three inches from the ground. [1]
Parade Rest
Step back with the right foot. Reverse the sword; rest the point on the toe sole of the left boot (do not [ever] allow the point to go into the ground); clasp the left hand over the right, both resting on the guard [edge to the right]. [2,3]
In-Place Rest from Shouldered or Support Arms:
Carry the right hand to the left and clasp it with the left hand - blade in the hollow of the right arm. [2,3] or fold the arms, sword hand under the left elbow, sword hanging down the left hip.
Rest or Stack Arms
At the command, “REST,” or “Stack Arms,” return the sword to the scabbard. At attention, draw it. [2]
The Support
Blade diagonally across the body, supported by the left hand, which is held opposite the shoulder [2] [the gripe is in the right hand.
1st Raise the sword hand as the [sic] high as the right breast, edge to the left.
2nd Raise the left hand as high as the shoulder, fingers closed, turn the edge to the front, and drop the sword between the thumb and joint of fore finger of left hand, and lower the right hand to the hip.
Right Shoulder Shift
Point downward, held a little above the ground - back of the blade to the left - sword held easily by the right hand. [2]
Double Quick Time
In marching in double time, the sword is carried diagonally across the breast, edge to the front, the point in front of and at the height of the left shoulder; the left hand steadies the scabbard. [5]
Route Step
In route marches the sword can be carried in the scabbard, or over the right shoulder, with the toe grasped by the right hand; the left hand steadies the scabbard. [5]
Sources:
1. Berriman, M.W., Militiaman’s Manual and Sword-Play without a Master, New York: D. Van Nostrand, 1858, 1864, pp. 7,8,11.
2. DeWitte, J.H., Baxter’s Zouave Light Infantry Tactics, 1861, pp. 107-108.
3. Ellsworth, E.E., Manual of Arms for Light Infantry Adapted to the Rifled Musket, 1859, pp.71-75 (see DeWitte’s work).
4. Hardee, William J., Rifle and Light Infantry Tactics, Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott, 1861, p 214.
5. Upton, Emory, Infantry Tactics, New York: D. Appleton and Co., 1874, Paras. 755-758, 760-761.