The Model 1840 cavalry saber, commonly referred to as “The Old Wristbreaker”, was indeed one of the ‘tried and true’ military edged weapons used by U.S. mounted forces before and during the Civil War. Produced by the N.P. Ames Company of Cabotville, Massachusetts, the weapon presented here is one of 2,720 such blades delivered by contract to the US Ordnance Department in 1847.

The steel blade is curved with a flat, wide back and is single-edged with just a slight false edge. This sword, also called a dragoon heavy cavalry saber, measures 35 7/8” long with an integral wide fuller 26½” long and a narrow fuller some 18 1/8” long. Weighing 4½ lbs., including the steel scabbard, the blade is marked “N. P. AMES / CABOTVILLE / 1847” on the reverse ricasso. Obverse ricasso shows a sharp and clear, two-line “US / R C” stamping. The hefty steel blade has a very slight bend to it and exhibits scattered areas of dark, age discoloration and light rust pitting overall. Blade has acquired a mellow, dusky gray patina and appears to have been lightly cleaned some time ago.

The heavy, two-branch brass hilt, still with its buff leather washer, is strong and tight. Hilt wears a dark, bronze patina overall. Grips feature a molded, wooden handle covered with excellently re-done wraps of black leather with thin, double twisted brass wire wound around the handle. Leather wraps and wire all tight and fine. Cavalry saber has a brass pommel cap in the Phrygian design with a pommel brim that exhibits inspector marks of “J. W. R.” Brass pommel and hilt of the sword are tight to the tang and wear a pleasing, dark bronze patina.

Strong, iron scabbard is unadorned and has acquired a dark plum-colored patina. Has scattered areas of rust pitting overall. Both sword mounts are tight and retain the original suspension rings. Drag is unmarked and little wear. An early, original M1840 heavy cavalry saber with good looks and a good price.

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