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. Produced by the N.P. Ames company of Cabotville, Mass. This cavalry sabre is one of 2,550 delivered by contract to the U.S. Ordnance Department from a contract ordering 6,000 sabres in 1850.

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 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. The blade has a nice even light gray patina and stamped “Ames Mfg Co / Cabotville / 1851” on the reverse ricasso. The obverse ricasso is stamped “US/ADK”. A choice blade with no rust or nicks, just nice smooth surface. The inspector’s initials A.D.K. for Andrew d. King, ASI inspected for the Ordnance Dept. from 1840-1865.

The two branch brass hilt, still with is buff leather washer is strong, tight and not bent or distorted.  Hilt never cleaned and has a nice bronze patina. Original brown leather grips with double twisted brass wire wound around the handle in perfect condition. Brass pommel cap exhibits inspector’s mark of “AWR” and “ADK”.

Very nice iron scabbard has a mottled, light gray patina with no pitting or rust. Appears to have been lightly cleaned at one time. Both sword mounts intact. Drag has very faint inspector’s mark “A.D.K.” with only the letter “D” visible. An excellent example of an enlistedman’s cavalry sabre.

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