EARLY DATED AMES MODEL 1840 ENLISTED CAVALRY SABER AND SCABBARD

$1,150.00 SOLD

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: 172-3614

The Model 1840 cavalry saber, commonly referred to as “The Old Wristbreaker” was produced by the N. P. Ames Company of Cabotville, Massachusetts. The weapon presented is one of 2,550 such blades delivered by contract to the US Ordnance Department in 1851.

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 / 1851” on the reverse ricasso. Obverse ricasso shows a sharp and clear, two-line “US / A D K” stamping. The hefty steel, straight blade has scattered areas of salt and pepper, with dark discoloration and light rust pitting overall. Blade has acquired a mellow patina and appears to have been lightly cleaned sometime ago.

The heavy, two-branch brass hilt, still with its buff leather washer, is strong and tight. Grips have feature a molded, wooden handle covered with excellently re-done wraps of black leather and 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 “A. D. K.” Brass pommel and hilt of the sword are tight to the tang and wear a pleasing, dark bronze patina. No visible edge nicks.

Strong, iron scabbard is unadorned and has acquired a pleasing plum-colored patina. Has scattered areas of rust pitting overall. Both sword mounts are tight and retain the original suspension rings. Upper ring mount exhibits much wear at the ring fulcrum point from constant rubbing when the belt rig was worn by the rider. Drag is unmarked and shows much drag angle wear. An early, original M1840 heavy cavalry saber with appealing looks and a reasonable price.

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