DVD or CD-Rom - How to for saber drills, etc.

[M E Wolf]

Dear Sirs,

May I inquire, if there is/are CD-ROMs and or DVDs; to which has motion instructions on 'how to' for sabre/swords as well as firearms?

Difficult to find are illustrations on 'sabre/sword' reverse arms and rest on arms; let alone finding fluid motion 'how to' guides.

I do have:
1861 Revised Regulations for the Army of the United States;
1862 Army Officer's Pocket Companion -A Manual for Staff Officers in the Field;
1863 Laws of War; (Articles of War, General Orders No. 100 & Army Regulations;
1865 Customs of Service for Officers of the Army and
1865 Customs of Service for Non-Commissioned Officers and Soldiers


Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

The closest I've found to anything of help outside of the manuals was an article in the first year of Civil War Historian magazine, which had several individual pictures of most sword manual movements. You can contact them for back issues. As for videos, I've never seen one yet dedicated to the manual of the sword, only School of the Soldier in a two volume set from, I believe, Media Magic.

[M E Wolf]

Dear Ross L. Lamoreaux,

Sir, I do thank you for your quick response.

I would hope that this may open an opportunity for those, who may be so inclined; as to produce one. I am sure it would make a profit as well as being very good at translating static 'how to' into movements through which a person could practice with; as well as the commands.

I would not mind seeing a instructional video for artillery and cavalry as well; and, perhaps borrow what has worked for me but, modern now with new recording devices at people's disposal--

Having interest in cavalry, I had three troopers in a line, two outside fitted and the middle with a 8 mm recorder; sounding of the notes; the two outside troopers would be subject to the orders, the middle trooper's horse between them would follow the drills. Even charges, three other troopers would come forward as in a charge; all done in a walk I must add. The slow drill of command as well as with verbal and musical commands; was most helpful to take home and repeatedly watch and, when back on the field for practice drill there was a huge improvement, as well as to share with their friends who boosted recruitments beyond expectation. I would be embarrassed to use the old 8 mm film as it would look as if I was sitting on an active earthquake. LOL -- Today, with such clever individuals and modern cameras--this could open a new door of opportunity, as well as to reach into the equestrian world for a potential revenue engine and recruiting.

The same could be done for artillery; the drivers featured and off hand horses in all three positions, to include the swing team; would--in my opinion do much as far as increase the education, sharing and the admiration of the art form of handling an artillery battery beyond the firing aspects. From limbering up to the entire sequence through the end and back into a limbered position. It takes skill to manage an artillery team of horses and men.

Sirs, perhaps if these videos could be made; it may boost education, appreciation and profit.

Just some thoughts.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf

[RJSamp]

I am sure it would make a profit

M. E. Wolf

What credentials do you have for making such a statement?

Having made a dozen bugle call tapes/cd's and sold a few thousand.....and having seen / participated in numerous attempts at digitized or video taped drill...I can assure you that it wouldn't be a gold mine.....and if fully costed as to time, materials, gas, etc. it would NOT make a profit.

Your mileage won't vary.....

we received saber instruction for our Cavalry troopers from a University fencing coach....awesome.

[M E Wolf]

Dear RJ Samp,

Sir, I didn't see anywhere in my written post that I said any profit would be a 'gold mine.'

Further, "profit" is not strictly financial. There would be benefits in making such a CD-ROM and or DVD; I can see would not only be educational and or informative to those interested in re-enacting but, it would be very helpful for parents on the side lines, especially those never exposed to the military -- have a means to identify what they are seeing on the field, or in camp, the protocol steps and or etiquette.

Sir, consider the fact, an admission from the film maker Ken Burns himself; that is on the 'making of Gettysburg' section of that DVD-Movie--He said in not so many words; that he dedicate five years of his life to express the Civil War through pictures. Being involved near the artillery, he could not get over the sounds or the loudness of the cannons going off. Now, this alone has me consider why hadn't Ken Burns attended any number of Civil War re-enactments that had artillery, and or demonstrations where artillery was featured? So, though Ken Burns admission is the problem as to why story telling of history can be so skewed, for those who are 'teachers' per se, this could/may be worthy of consideration.

Please note sir--I have always used the words "consider" in this topic. Perhaps some will see it as fruitless and some see things differently. But, one thing I have never done sir--That is, to approach anyone with a 'demand.'

Just some thoughts.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf

[Rob Weaver]

What you should do is look at the manual, learn it well, and post your video to Youtube. Accessible to all of us instantly.

[Dave Myrick]

Look here:
http://mainecav.org/moa/sabre.html

Dave

[M E Wolf]

Dear Dave Myrick;

Thank you very much for the link sir.

I have seen it before and the trooper did a fantastic job in demonstrating the saber drills, especially for cavalry, sir.

Sir, it is still difficult to find the 'reverse sabre' that accompanies 'reverse arms.' I have not found a photo of it via National Archives, US Library of Congress and the like, for the Civil War era.

I also have read: GETTING THE ‘POINT’ ACROSS: ~Instruction for Infantry Officers in the correct use of swords~ By: T.R.Wheeley - Nov. 2002 article.
Actually a well illustrated written work, with period photographs in support of the various manuals in relationship with the sword.

Again, sir -- thank you most kindly, for offering and sharing the fine link of the Maine Cavalry Organization.

Respectfully submitted,
M. E. Wolf

[M E Wolf]

Dear Rob Weaver,

Sir, I do thank you for your response to my inquiry.

I do find your suggestions very positive indeed.

As, "You-Tube" is splendid for instant exposure as well as the many ways of being helpful.

Although I do have practice with the sword/saber; at my advanced age and debilitating arthritis; I do contemplate on having a much younger gentleman perform the sword/saber manual, if at all possible. Yet, sir -- I wanted to ask first on this fine list of seasoned gentlemen, if there was something available already and support through purchase, those who recorded what I sought.

Again sir, thank you so very much for your response.

Respectfully submitted,
M. E. Wolf

[Rob Weaver]

Until recently that would have been my first impulse too: probably asking where I could get a "video!" Really, I intended no insult. I just think that this is a marvelous resource for demonstrations of drill that we haven't exploited to it's potential yet.