The Model 1840 cavalry saber, commonly referred to as “The Old Wristbreaker”, was 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 edged weapon here is one of only 600 such blades delivered in 1845 to the US Ordnance Department per the first contract of 1844.

The steel blade is curved, has 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. including the steel scabbard, the blade on this Wristbreaker is marked “N. P. AMES / CABOTVILLE / 1845” on the reverse ricasso. Obverse ricasso shows a sharp and clear, two-line “US / J H” [John Hannis] stamping. The hefty steel blade is straight and exhibits scattered areas of dark, age discoloration and light pinprick rust pitting overall. Blade has acquired a mellow, dusky gray patina and appears to have been lightly cleaned some time ago. True edge has few light nicks.

The heavy, two-branch brass hilt, still with its buff leather washer, is in fine condition, strong and tight. Brass has been cleaned and displays a light sheen. Original grips are choice and feature a molded, wooden handle covered with black bridal leather wrapped with a thin, double twisted brass wire wound around the handle. Leather wraps and wire all tight and very fine. Cavalry saber has a brass pommel cap in the Phrygian design with a pommel brim that exhibits three inspector marks: “W.A.T.”(William Anderson Thornton), “NWP” and “P”. One distinction of the M1840 saber hilt is that the grips are narrow at the pommel and widen as it extends to the base of the quillon.

The steel scabbard is unadorned and has been cleaned. Exhibits a semi-bright silver coloring. Has with scattered areas of old salt and pepper rust pitting overall. No dents. Both sword mounts are tight and retain the original suspension rings. Drag has no markings and shows moderate rust pitting and no wear. A handsome, Model 1840 heavy cavalry saber with fine lines and good looks.

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