This 1848-dated cavalry saber is a great representative of the heavy combat saber issued to Federal dragoons during the Mexican War and later to Union horsesoldiers engaged in the War of Rebellion. Manufactured by the Ames Manufacturing Company of Chicopee, Massachusetts, this saber was one of over 3,800 such sabers delivered to the Ordnance Department under the Ames contract of 1848.  Well-liked by both the cavalrymen and the dragoons, the men often referred to it the “Old Wrist Breaker”. The only complaint leveled against the M1840 was its excessive weight of 4 pounds, 8 oz when it rested in its scabbard.

The 35 7/8” long, curved, unsharpened blade bears almost all of its original, shiny bright finish. Weapon is 1 5/16” wide and has a back thickness of 7/16”.  Among the features on these M1840 sabers are the squared back profile, grips that are narrow at the pommel and widen toward the hilt, and its hatchet point tip. As author and sword expert John Thillmann notes in his descriptive new book, “These sabers hold a great deal of collector appeal due to their fine lines and length of active service”. Specimen exhibits an appearance that is smooth and clean. Blade is crisp and shiny with just scattered pin prick pitting and some areas of deeper pitting overall.  Blade edge bears one small nick thirteen inches from the quillon.  Marked on the obverse riccasso is “U.S. / WD” (stamping deep and crisp). The reverse ricasso has “N.P. AMES / CABOTVILLE / 1848” (letters crisp).

The tight, brass hilt retains the original buff leather washer and a domed pommel cap that bears the inspector marks of “W.D.” and “J.W.R.” stamped on the brim. Grips are in excellent condition with the original black bridle leather strong with no cracks or breaks. Twisted brass wire wrap is strong and tight. Brass hilt, with its two-branch guard and knucklebow, is tightly secured to the tang. Brass not cleaned and exhibits a mellow patina.

The steel scabbard wears a medium gray patina overall and has two light dents 7”-8” from the drag. Drag shows nice angled wear to the slipper and visible are the inspector marks of ‘ADK’. Two sword ring bands are tight and secure two 1¼” diameter sword rings. Original scabbard retains its throat piece and exhibits a brazed seam along the entire bottom length of the scabbard where the metal was rolled and joined. Throat collar and a 2” long portion of the scabbard seam appear to have been repaired at one time. Very reasonably priced, this fine, scarce early Ames cavalry saber and scabbard is a worthy specimen that would compliment any edged weapon display or collection.