Original item: Only One Available. This heavy Cavalry Saber, known as "Old Wristbreaker" among troops, was designated the U.S. Model of 1840, and was the principal cavalry saber used until the Model of 1860 was introduced. As such it was widely used in the War between the States on both sides. Many examples made during the Civil War era utilized imported German Blades, however this example was made by Ames Manufacturing Co., one of the largest sword suppliers during the early-mid 19th century. It would go on to manufacture all types of swords during the Civil War.

The sword all brass mounts, a wood with leather wrapped sword grip, and a nice steel scabbard. The leather of the grip is partly intact, having worn through to the wood in many places. The original brass wrapping is also almost entirely missing. The original leather blade buffer washer is also missing.

The wicked heavy 36 inch curved blade's ricasso is marked on one side with the Ames 1837-1848 style address, which is slightly worn -

 On the other side it is marked-

During the moving period, there was a cross over between the stamped address. The inspector mark A.D.K., stands for Andrew D. King , who inspected swords 1840-1865.

The blade has an overall dark patina, from years of age and slow oxidation. It has a nice edge with only a few small nicks and no major damage. The three branch brass hand guard is in good shape, and like the blade has a lovely oxidized patina.

It comes complete with its heavy steel scabbard, which is in good condition. It has a nice oxidized patina with light peppering, and no major dents or other issues. Really a good example of this type of scabbard.

A great example of a Civil War Era M-1840 Wristbreaker Saber: Ready to clean and display!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 36”
Blade style: Curved Saber with Single Fuller
Overall length: 42”
Scabbard length: 38”
Handguard: 5”x 5”

The Model 1840 Cavalry Saber was based on the 1822 French hussar's sabre. Unlike its replacement, the Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber the M1840 has a ridge around its quillon, a leather grip wrapped in wire (rather than grooves cut into the wooden handle) and a flat, slotted throat. It is 44" long with a 35" blade and weighs roughly 2.5 lbs.

The M1840 was designed for slashing and because of its heavy flat-backed blade was given the nickname "Old Wristbreaker." It was adopted due to the army's dissatisfaction with its predecessor the model 1833 Dragoon Saber, the first cavalry sword adopted by the US Army. The iron-hilted M1833 was based on a Napoleonic-era British sword used by heavy cavalry and reputed to wrap "rubber like around a man's head and was only good for cutting butter" An ornate gilded version of this earlier sword was used by General Philip Sheridan during the Civil War; Sheridan had its sheath engraved with the battles he participated in. It was evident a replacement was needed so in 1838 the US Ordnance Dept bought British, French and Prussian swords and field-tested them. The troopers overwhelmingly preferred the French saber, and a copy of it was put into production in 1844. A total of 2000 were ordered and by 1846, 600 were in frontline service.

The 1840 saber was used during the U.S.-Mexican War by US Cavalry. The main contractors were Ames of Cabotville, Horstmann, and Tiffany but due to the large number of swords required at least 1000 were made in Germany by S&K and imported. Some troopers used Prussian sabers as an alternative, which in contrast to the M1840 had straight blades.

When production ceased in 1858 over 23,700 were made. During the US Civil War it continued to be issued to Union Cavalry as in the early years it was more readily available than the M1860. George B McClellan carried one at the front, keeping his regulation officer's sword for full dress occasions. Many were also used by the Confederacy including General Nathan Bedford Forrest who had both edges of his sword sharpened to increase combat effectiveness.