One of the most influential wars the United States ever participated in was the Civil War. Fought on the soil of America, this fierce battle pitted brothers and friends against each other. While firearms had already been invented, the military sword was the weapon of choice when fighting was close and personal. Here are some of the American manufacturers of military swords during the Civil War.

During the civil war, there was a variety of companies that manufactured military swords. These sharp blades were capable of inflicting mortal damage, and in the hands of a skilled swordsman, were more lethal than inaccurate rifles and other firearms.

The Ames Company produced military swords from 1832 - 1906. By the conclusion of the Civil War, this company had produced over 200,000 swords. Nathan P. Ames started the company and marked the manufactured blades with N.P. Ames. After his death, his brother James changed the markings to Ames Mfg. Co.

Swordmaker Christopher Roby was in business from 1861 - 1867. During his six year run, Roby churned out a line of cavalry sabers, musician swords, Non Commissioned Officer military swords and light artillery sabers. When the Civil War came to an end, the company went bankrupt.

The second largest producer of Civil War swords in the United States was Mansfield and Lamb. The company, operating out of Rhode Island, was a textile outlet before the war broke out. Mansfield and Lamb only created one type of military sword - the M1860 saber.

New Jersey based sword maker Emerson and Silver had a five year run from 1860 - 1865. Records have led historians to estimate that the company produced nearly fifty thousand military swords during the war. When the fighting stopped, the company went belly-up.

The Philadelphia based company P.S. Justice had a catchy name and produced some fine Civil War swords. In 1861 alone, the company produced nearly 14,000 cavalry sabers and over 1,000 artillery sabers.

Tiffany & Co is one of the flagship jewelry stores in modern day New York City. When you walk in and see the amazing assortment of gems it is strange to consider that the same company once fashioned military swords for heavy fighting in the Civil War. The company created high-quality officer's swords and two different cavalry sabers.