The Model 1840 Cavalry Sabre, commonly referred to as “The Old Wristbreaker”, was one of the edged weapons used by mounted forces before and during the Civil War.

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 sabre, measures 35 7/8” long with an integral wide fuller 26 ½” long and a narrow fuller some 18 1/8” long. Weighting 4 ½” pounds, including the steel scabbard.  Scabbard shows evidence of cleaning, but remains complete and in nice condition. The blade is stamped “Ames Mfg Co / Chicopee” on the reverse ricasso, while the obverse ricasso is stamped “US/JH/1857”.  Blade is mostly smooth and bright, with scattered, light surface peppering and spots of oxidation.  Blade has been sharpened.

The two branch brass hilt, still with buff leather washer is strong, tight, and not bent or distorted.  Hilt has a nice mellow patina. Original brown leather grip with double twisted brass wire wound around the handle shows some crazing and one strand of bent wire is noted – otherwise wrapping is tight. Brass pommel cap exhibits inspector’s mark of “HKW” and “JH”.

Overall, a nice M1840 with a later date and surely an interesting service life.  An excellent candidate for any Civil War Cavalry collection.   [cm][ph:L]

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