The Model 1840 heavy cavalry saber, commonly referred to as “The Old Wristbreaker”, was one of the ‘tried and true’ military edged weapons used by U.S. mounted forces before and during the Civil War. This heavy saber marked with the Philadelphia, PA maker’s stamp of Philip S. Justice is most likely an imported blade of German (Prussian) manufacture that Justice imported and assembled in the US. Such were the saber characteristics that included the cord wrapped wooden handle with its symmetrical taper.

Steel blade is curved with a flat, wide back and is single-edged with just a slight false edge. Also referred to as a dragoon heavy cavalry saber, the weapon measures 35 7/8” long and has an integral wide fuller 26½” long and a narrow fuller some 18 1/8” long. Weighing 4½ lbs. including the steel scabbard, the blade on this wristbreaker has the imported-style, wide, two parallel line stamp of “P. S. JUSTICE / PHILADa” on the reverse ricasso. Obverse ricasso is unmarked. The hefty steel blade is straight and exhibits a dull gray finish with a dusky patina overall. Some very light surface discoloration in spots with evidence of period sharpening along the blade edge. Few minor edge nicks visible.

The heavy, symmetrical two-branch brass hilt has its original buff leather washer is in fine condition and retains a rich, bronze untouched patina. Grips are excellent and feature a wooden handle covered with cording and wrapped with original black bridal leather. Twisted brass wire circles the grips and is very tight and strong. Cavalry saber has a brass pommel cap in the Phrygian design with a pommel brim that exhibits no inspector marks and no signs of cleaning.

Heavy iron scabbard is undented and has acquired a mottled gray patina overall. Both sword mounts are tight and retain the original suspension rings. Drag shows inspector as well as maker’s marks “G.T. / S&K” (Schnitzler & Kirschbaum. S&K likely the manufacturer of the blade and scabbard. This heavy cavalry saber with its good looks would compliment any collection at a most reasonable price.

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