This 1857 dated, edged weapon is representative of the heavy combat saber issued to Federal dragoons during the Mexican War and to later Union horsesoldiers engaged in the War of Rebellion. Manufactured by the acclaimed Ames Manufacturing Company of Chicopee, Massachusetts, this saber was one of 1,000 such sabers delivered to the Ordnance Department under the Ames contract of 1857. 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. Saber 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 a nice appearance with a blade that wears a semi-bright scheen mixed with moderate dark area of oxidation. Blade edge is rough in the center area with a number of nicks about ten inches down from the tip. Marked on the obverse ricasso is “U.S. / J.H. Reverse ricasso has “AMES MANUFG CO. / CHICOPEE” in a two-line address. The tight brass hilt retains the original buff leather washer and a domed pommel cap that bears the inspector marks of “J.H.” and “R.H.K.W.” stamped on the pommel brim. Grips are in very good condition with original black bridle leather strong with no cracks or breaks. Does have some slight scuffing. Twisted brass wire wrap is very good. Brass hilt, with its two-branch guard and knucklebow, is tight on the blade tang. Brass has not been cleaned and exhibits a medium dark brass sheen.

The steel scabbard has a plum-brown mottled patina overall with no dents. Large drag slipper shows angled wear to its edge. No inspector marks on the drag visible. The two sword ring bands are tight and secure two sword rings. Scabbard retains its throat. This pre-Civil War Ames Model 1840 saber is a worthy specimen that would compliment any edged weapon display or collection.

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