Trailrider,
Ahh, yes the Manual of the Sword (A.K.A. "sword waving"), how fondly I remember attending the Staff NCO Academy at Quantico, Virginia that chilly Jan/Feb of 1986... and thereafter got snagged for every Change of Command, Retirement Ceremony, Honor Guard, and other various and sundry Pass-and-Review for dignitaries, etc.
DISCLAIMER: The Manual of the Sword movements decribed below are those CURRENTLY observed by the U.S.M.C. I do not know if these movements are universal to all services, nor do I know if the Manual may have been different in the 19th Century.
If you are wearing a sheathed sword, the hand salute is rendered as usual. DO NOT draw your sword to render a salute.
If armed with the sword (sword is drawn):
1. When giving commands, or on the march in command of troops, the sword will be at Carry Sword, i.e., grip the sword in the right hand between the thumb and fingers, arm hanging (or swinging, if marching) naturally. The sword is held up against the right shoulder, edge facing forward. For long marches, the forefinger MAY be hooked under the forward curve of the knuckle bow/crossguard (but NOT right in front of the reviewing stand!). Also, DO NOT hold the scabbard with the left hand!!!
If at Attention, either individually or standing in formation, the sword will normally be at "Order Sword (Arms)", i.e.: right arm hanging naturally, the sword angled down and forward, cutting edge toward the deck, the tip in front of the right foot 4"-6" above the deck. This is also the position of the sword when at Parade Rest. The first couple movements described below are for individuals armed with the sword NOT in command of troops:
2. At the command, "Present, ARMS" (or the first note of the National Anthem, Taps, To The Colors, etc.), the sword is brought up smartly, the grip at chin level (nearly touching the chin), cutting edge to the left. The blade will extend foward and upwards at about a 60-degree angle, held for one count, then the right hand is brought smartly back down, knuckle bow/crossguard touching the trouser seam, keeping the edge of the blade to the left ("flat"), the tip of the blade out in front of the right foot, about 4"-6" from the deck. The count would be, "one (up), and, two (down)". The sword will be held in this position until the command, "Order, ARMS" (or the end of the Anthem or bugle call). At the preparatory command "Order...", rotate the right hand so that the edge of the blade is facing downward (Order Sword). Depending on the situation, you may go to the Carry position at the execution command, "...ARMS". Otherwise, stay at Order Sword.
3. When greeting an officer while at attention, the salute is initiated by the same movements described above (and for GOD"S SAKE DON'T SLASH/STAB THE OFFICER), holding the second position (blade down, edge turned to the left, knuckle bow at the trouser seam, etc.). The salute is returned either by hand salute, or by the officer performing the same Present Arms movements) REMEMBER THIS - you hold your blade horizontal (second position) untill the officer rotates his sword back to vertical. This is just like holding your hand salute until the officer makes his "cut".
4. If approaching an officer while walking* (at Carry Sword, of course), initiate the salute when stepping forward with the left foot, allowing the natural swing of the right arm to carry the sword up to the chin as described above, then keeping in cadence, bring the right hand back down as you step forward with your right foot, but holding the second position with your right hand motionless (not swinging) until the salute is returned, the returning to Carry Sword.
*usually, if you are just walking to or from somewhere, the sword will be in its sheath.
Note that in all the examples above the sword is NOT held up at chin level for longer than just a slight pause (maybe a half-second)
All this is a lot easier than it looks written down, once you actually see it demonstrated. Maybe we could do a demo/class at the Muster next month. I'm a little rusty, but I think I still remember most of the moves.
As far as rendering honors indoors (in uniform but uncovered), I understood that I was to stand at attention during the National Anthem. I don't remember ever being in military uniform (other than as part of a Color Guard) when the Pledge was recited. At Veteran's meetings, we reciite the pledge while rendering the hand salute if wearing the Organization's cover, otherwise with our hand over our heart.
Guns