Book Description

"The first book devoted exclusively to the subject, this invaluable volume will aid collectors, curators, historians and anyone interested in weaponry to identify American swords. Enhanced with more than 400 illustrations from catalogs, manuals, and other rare documents, the book classifies and describes all major types of swords worn by the U.S. armed forces, cadets, and diplomats since the American Revolution to the end of World War II. Also included is a directory of American sword makers, an essay on the evolution of scabbards and methods of wearing swords, a discussion of sword nomenclature, and an appendix titled "American Silver Mounted Swords 1700-1815," which served as a catalog of an exhibition held at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in 1955. This important addition describes small swords, sabers and hunting swords, and unique silver mounted swords. An invaluable guide to collectors and dealers, the comprehensive reference will delight students of weaponry and arms enthusiasts. Unabridged republication of the edition originally published by Robert Halter, The River House, New Hope, Pennsylvania, 1954. Appendix privately printed in Washington D.C., 1955. Index. 289 halftones; 117 black-and-white illustrations." -- publisher description (November 2006).