Sergeant Rapier 1840

Sergeant Rapier 1840
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Looking to add an iconic military sidearm to your collection? This elegant NCO sword was carried by US Army non-commissioned officers for over seven decades. We highly recommend this historic piece for 19th-century reenactment, display, or military collections. Featuring a high carbon steel blade paired with a solid cast brass hilt, it delivers a perfect balance of historic accuracy and craft precision. The sword comes complete with a matching steel scabbard equipped with dual carrying rings. Further product information ...

On order - order now and goods will be dispatched on: 27-Nov-2026 Delivery options
132,00 €
109,09 € excl. VAT

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US Model 1840 NCO Sword with Steel Scabbard

History and Significance of the Model 1840

Adopted by the United States Military in 1840, the Model 1840 Non-Commissioned Officer Sword remained in active service for more than 70 years. It saw extensive use throughout major 19th-century conflicts, including the Mexican-American War (1846–1848), the American Civil War (1861–1865), and the Spanish-American War (1898). Serving both as an emblem of rank and authority for NCOs and as an effective close-quarters weapon, it holds a prominent place in American martial history.

Designed for swift handling, the slender single-edged blade features a wide fuller running along most of its length to reduce weight without sacrificing strength. The solid cast brass hilt includes iconic kidney-shaped hand guards and a ribbed grip for a secure hold. The global pommel securely caps the full tang construction.

Technical Specifications

Specification Metric Value Imperial Value
Blade Material 1085 High Carbon Steel (approx. 52 HRC) 1085 High Carbon Steel (approx. 52 HRC)
Hilt Material Cast Polished Brass Cast Polished Brass
Overall Length 942 mm 37.1 in
Blade Length 800 mm 31.5 in
Blade Width at Guard 22.5 mm 0.89 in
Blade Thickness at Guard 4.7 mm 0.19 in
Ricasso Dimensions 30 mm long (4.7 × 22.2 mm profile) 1.18 in long (0.19 × 0.87 in profile)
Fuller Length 700 mm 27.6 in
Blade Width 6 cm (2.4 in) from Tip 14.9 mm 0.59 in
Blade Thickness 6 cm (2.4 in) from Tip 3.9 mm 0.15 in
Edge Thickness 1.0 mm 0.04 in
Spine Thickness 4.3 mm 0.17 in
Point of Balance (POB) 10 cm from hilt 3.94 in from hilt
Sword Weight 880 g 1.94 lbs (31.0 oz)
Scabbard Weight 446 g 0.98 lbs (15.7 oz)
Scabbard Material Steel with 2 carrying rings Steel with 2 carrying rings

Please note that individual measurements may slightly vary due to hand-finishing manufacturing processes.

Care & Safety Guidelines

For safety reasons, this sword is offered as a decorative and collectible item. Although crafted from high carbon steel, it is not intended for stage combat, HEMA sparring, reenactment fighting, or target cutting tests. Practical martial use can result in personal injury or damage to the blade.

High carbon steel requires regular maintenance to prevent surface corrosion. We recommend the following care routine:

  • Keep the blade clean and coated with a thin layer of protective maintenance oil (e.g., mineral oil or Ballistol).
  • Avoid storing the sword in damp environments, and wipe down fingerprint residues after handling.
  • Clean the brass hilt periodically with a dedicated brass polish to maintain its high lustre.

Recommended Accessories

Complete your 19th-century military impression or display setup with these suitable accessories:

  • Leather Sword Frog / Hanger: Era-accurate 19th-century leather frog to mount the scabbard to a waist belt.
  • Blade Maintenance Oil: Essential oil kit to protect high carbon steel blades from rust.
  • 19th Century Military Gloves: White cotton or leather dress gloves matching historic US NCO uniforms.

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