Cold Steel
This blog is about cold steel: more specifically, the sword. Despite the increasing use of firearms, blades remained a vital part of military life during the era of the Yankee Doodle Spies. Although Britain and France produced their own blades by the mid-18th century, the finest still came from countries with a long tradition of forging finely tempered steel—such as Spain, Germany, and Italy. During a time when firearms were primitive, slow, and inaccurate, combat with cold steel at close range could be decisive. And the sword was undoubtedly the most versatile close-quarters weapon: effective in melee, ambush, or siege. The sword held both practical and symbolic significance. Primarily, it was a straightforward weapon, easy to maintain. It could be wielded by foot soldiers or cavalry, and it could kill, cut, and maim.
Symbolic
Throughout most of history, the sword has been a symbol of leadership and distinction. This reached its peak during the Middle Ages when the sword became a symbol of knighthood. Knights were anointed and welcomed into the brotherhood of arms with a sword. Later, at least in Europe, carrying a sword was seen as a sign of a gentleman, worn on various occasions by civilians and military personnel alike. Although by the mid-18th century civilians rarely carried a sword, it remained a special symbol in military circles. Its symbolism influenced its use in warfare as the 18th century progressed. A sword might be drawn as a salute, a signal to prepare for action, or returned to its scabbard as a sign to end fighting.
Weapon of Choice
Before the development of the socket bayonet, every military man carried a sword of some kind. The infantry, artillery, and, of course, cavalry all carried swords of various types for close combat. However, as ring-mounted or socket bayonets became more common, the need for a sword alongside them decreased, at least for the infantry. By the time of the American Revolution, only sergeants and officers in the infantry carried swords, which remained symbols of authority and weapons. There were exceptions, such as the Highlanders and German mercenary regiments. Artillery crews and cavalrymen still carried swords; in the case of artillery, swords were used for close-in fighting if the guns were overrun, while cavalrymen kept swords as their primary weapon of action.
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| Cold steel could still be decisive |
Let's talk about the main types of swords used during the time of the Yankee Doodle Spies. This is just a brief overview, not a detailed or official account.
Infantry Sword
The infantry sword, sometimes called a hanger, was a short sword used for close combat. Usually about 25 inches long. By the time of the Yankee Doodle Spies, such swords were mostly carried by American and British infantry sergeants. The hanger had a long, slightly curved blade and a short metal pommel covered by a small round handguard attached to the butt of the sword by a small metal knuckle guard. The hangers carried by infantrymen were inexpensive, simple weapons that worked well in bloody hand-to-hand fighting by ordinary soldiers. Marines also carried the hanger.
Short Saber
Used by many officers in combat, the blade was about 30 inches long. It was used for cutting or thrusting. These weapons could be simple or ornate. In some cases, they were family treasures, handed down from a father to a son on his commissioning.
| German Jaegers |
Hunting Sword
Originally a sidearm for hunters, the hunting sword was a short, cut-and-thrust weapon used by the German Jaegers, American riflemen, and officers on both sides. Sometimes called the cuttoe, it lacked knuckle and handguards and served as a brutal, bloody weapon for American militias as well. The blade was about 28 inches long and could be curved or straight. Jeremiah Creed carries a version of this in the Yankee Doodle Spies.
Small Sword
By the time of the American Revolution, these were mostly carried by civilians or officers, not with troops. Light and thin, rapier-like in appearance, it was suitable for quick thrusts.
Cavalry Sword
Mounted troops carried longer, heavier blades, usually about 35 inches long. They could be edged, but most were curved in America. They typically had a heavy hilt for maximum protection during mounted combat. A trained dragoon could slash an opponent or drive the point home with an extended arm, much like a lance. The saber in the hands of a cavalryman had a strong psychological effect. Just the sight of a cavalry formation wielding sabers could often cause all but the best-trained and bravest infantry to run for safety.
| British Dragoons |
Naval Cutlass
Most people recognize the cutlass from pirate movies. However, the cutlass was actually the seaman's version of a short saber. It was single-edged, heavy, and featured an expanded hilt to provide maximum protection. Though not suitable for dueling, when wielded by a strong sailor, these rough yet effective weapons could smash, crush, slice, and cut.
The Ultimate Symbol?
As mentioned earlier, the sword was a practical weapon with symbolic significance. Perhaps the clearest example of this symbolism is the classic "surrender." Whether on ships at sea, in great fortresses, or on the battlefield, a commander often surrendered his personal sword as the ultimate sign of submission. That act was almost always accepted graciously and conveyed respect to the surrendering forces. Therefore, the sword represents a range of meanings—from signal to start a fight to signal to lay down arms and yield. In this way, the sword was a unique weapon of its time.
