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 Ames Manufacturing Company of Chicopee, Massachusetts, the weapon presented here is one of 510 such blades delivered by contract to the US Ordnance Department in 1855. 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 26 ½” long and a narrow fuller some 18 1/8” long. Weighing 4½ lbs. with the steel scabbard, the blade on this wristbreaker is marked “AMES MFG CO / CHICOPEE / MASS / 1855.” on the reverse ricasso. Obverse ricasso shows a sharp and clear, two-line “US / J H” stamping. The hefty steel blade is straight and exhibits cleaning. Blade has scattered areas of pinprick rust pitting overall and has acquired a light gray scheen. The heavy, two-branch brass hilt, still with its buff leather washer, is in fine condition, strong and tight, and retains a dark, bronze patina.

Original grips are excellent and feature a molded, wooden handle that is covered with black bridal leather wrapped with a thin, double twisted brass wire wound around the handle. Leather wraps and wire tight and fine. Cavalry saber has a brass pommel cap in the Phrygian design with a pommel brim that exhibits inspector marks of “RHKW” and “JH.” Brass pommel and hilt of the sword all wear a pleasing, dark bronze patina. Strong, iron scabbard is unadorned and has acquired a dark patina with of rust pitting overall. One dent to the obverse side 10” from the drag. Both sword mounts are tight and retain the original suspension rings. Drag is marked with “A.D.K.”

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