Officers’ Weapons

• Model 1850 Foot Officer’s Sword

  

  Although Union officers wielded a variety of edged weapons—many of them privately purchased—the most popular model was the U.S. Army’s 1850 foot officer’s sword. Staff officers, line officers and field officers of all grades used this weapon. It served few practical functions, except, perhaps, for occasionally striking an incorrigible soldier. Its primary role was far more ceremonial, as this weapon inspired respect and commanded attention, two essential functions for any officer.

• Model 1860 Colt Army Revolver

  

  Union officers used a variety of personal side arms, but the Model 1860 Colt Army Revolver proved the most popular. This .44-caliber, muzzle-loading weapon featured a rotating, six-chambered cylinder that fired a conical or round ball, wrapped in a paper cartridge, with a percussion cap priming system. Although line officers’ and field officers’ primary responsibilities involved controlling troops in battle, when their personal safeties became threatened, these weapons served in a pinch.