The Model 1840 cavalry saber, commonly referred to as “The Old Wristbreaker,” was one of the edged weapons used by U.S. mounted forces before and during the Civil War. Produced by the N. P. Ames Company of Cabotville, Massachusetts, the weapon presented here is one of 2,720 such blades delivered by contract to the US Ordnance Department in 1847.

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 sharply and clearly stamped “N. P. AMES / CABOTVILLE / 1849” on the reverse ricasso. Obverse ricasso shows a sharp and clear, two-line “US / W D” stamping. Hefty, slightly curved steel blade exhibits a bright, minty sheen in excellent condition. Blade does have few small edge nicks.

The heavy, two-branch brass hilt, still with its buff leather washer, is strong, tight, and not bent or distorted. Hilt, never cleaned, wears a dark, bronze patina. Original grips are excellent and feature a molded, wooden handle covered with black leather wrapped with thin, double twisted brass wire wound around the handle. Excellent leather wrap 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 “J. W. R. and “W D.” Brass pommel and hilt of the sword are tight to the tang and wear a pleasing, dark bronze patina.

Strong, iron scabbard is unadorned and has a mottled, light gray patina with old scattered areas of rust pitting. Appears to have been lightly cleaned at one time. Both sword mounts are tight and retain the original suspension rings. Drag is stamped “A.D.K.” and shows little or no wear. An excellent, early M1840 heavy cavalry saber.

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