The Model 1840 cavalry saber, commonly referred to as "The Old Wristbreaker", was indeed one of the 'tried and true' military edged weapons used by U.S. mounted forces before and during the Civil War. Most likely a German import by the Philadelphia, PA arms dealer Philip S. Justice, the edged weapon presented here has German design characteristics and quality such as the cord wrapped wooden handle with its symmetrical taper and fine blade casting and grinding. 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 has the straight two-line stamp of "P. S. JUSTICE / PHILADA" on the reverse ricasso. Obverse ricasso is unmarked. Hefty steel blade is straight and exhibits a handsome, semi-bright finish.

The heavy, two-branch brass guard is in good condition with the hilt a rich, bronze patina overall. Grips are good and have a wooden handle that is loose to the tang from wood shrinkage. Grips covered with cording and wrapped with thin black bridal leather. Leather dry and exhibits scattered scuffing and chipping with the twisted brass wire around the grips showing looseness at 5 or 6 loops. Saber has a brass pommel cap in the Phrygian design with a pommel brim that exhibits no inspector marks. Brass pommel and hilt of the sword all wear a pleasing bronze patina.

Heavy iron scabbard is unadorned and has acquired a dark, patina with scattered areas of moderate pitting. Brazed seam of the scabbard seam is visible along its length. Both sword mounts are tight and retain the original suspension rings. Upper ring mount shows heavy wear due to the rig being belted and worn much during the war. Drag has no visible markings. A handsome, heavy cavalry saber with its good looks would compliment any edged weapon collection or cavalry display.