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 New Jersey’s mounted forces during the Civil War.  Produced by the Emerson & Silver firm of Trenton, New Jersey, this scarce M40 saber was one of only 2,700 pieces contracted for by the State between Nov 1863 and Nov 1864.

The fine, M1840 shiny-bright steel blade is curved, has a flat wide back and exhibits a M1860 style ‘swelled-handle’ grip.  Blade is single-edged with just a slight false edge.  This sword, also called a dragoon heavy cavalry saber, measures 35¼” long with an integral wide fuller 25” long and a narrow fuller some 13” long. Weighing 4½ lbs., including the steel scabbard, the blade on this blade is marked “EMERSON & SILVER” in an arched pattern on the reverse ricasso. Obverse ricasso has the large letters “N.J.” deeply stamped above the leather washer. The hefty steel blade is straight and exhibits just few scattered areas of age discoloration and pinprick rust pitting.   No visible edge nicks.

The heavy, two-branch brass hilt, still with its leather washer, is in fine condition, strong and tight, and wears a mellow bronze patina.  Grips use the Model 1860 swelled shank handle covered with black bridle leather wrapped with a thin, single twist brass wire wound around the handle.  Original leather wraps tight and very little cracking and scuffing. Brass wire tight. Cavalry saber has a brass pommel cap in the Phrygian design with a brim that exhibits no inspector marks. Brass pommel and hilt of the sword all wear a pleasing, dark bronze patina.

Hefty iron scabbard is unadorned and has acquired a dark plum-gray patina with scattered areas of old salt and pepper rust pitting overall. Has the large drag.  Both sword mounts are tight and retain the original suspension rings.  This handsome, heavy cavalry saber with its fine lines and good looks certainly compliments any saber collection or New Jersey cavalry display.