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. Often termed a ‘transitional’ specimen between the M1840 heavy saber and the M1860 light cavalry saber, these were likely German imports by the Philadelphia, PA arms dealer Philip S. Justice. This high quality edged weapon has design characteristics such as the cord wrapped wooden handle with its symmetrical taper and fine blade casting and grinding.

The steel blade is curved, has a wide, flat back and is single-edged with just a slight false edge. This sword measures 35½” long with an integral wide fuller 27½” long and a narrow fuller some 19¼” long. Weighing 4½ lbs., including the steel scabbard, the blade on this wristbreaker has the straight two-line stamp of “P. S. JUSTICE / PHILADA” on the reverse ricasso. Obverse ricasso is unmarked. Hefty steel blade is straight and exhibits a handsome, semi-bright finish.

The heavy, two-branch brass guard is in very good condition with a rich, bronze patina on the hilt. Grips are excellent and covered with cording and wrapped with thin black bridal leather. Leather is excellent. No scuffing and chipping. Twisted brass wire around the grips is tight and strong. Saber has a brass pommel cap in the Phrygian design with a pommel brim that exhibits no inspector marks but two numerals “16”. Brass pommel and hilt of the sword all wear a pleasing bronze patina.

Heavy iron scabbard is unadorned and has acquired a dark, patina with scattered areas of moderate pitting. Brazed seam of the scabbard seam is visible along its length. Both sword mounts are tight and retain the original suspension rings. Upper ring mount shows heavy wear due to the rig being belted and worn much during the war. Drag has visible markings of “J. P. C.”. This handsome, heavy cavalry saber with its good looks would compliment any edged weapon collection or cavalry display.

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