Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good original likely-German made heavy cavalry saber closely conforming to the U.S. Model 1840 pattern, retaining its original-style brass three-branch guard, leather-covered grip with twisted brass wire, massive curved blade, and heavy steel scabbard. With a blade measuring approximately 33 inches, the sword has the imposing proportions associated with the American Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber commonly nicknamed the “Old Wristbreaker.”

This fine example bears absolutely no maker’s markings, which most likely indicates that it was an import during the U.S. Civil War, and the lack of markings obscures the origin. Both North and South imported Swords and guns from Europe and European Manufacturers, mostly in Germany, and they did not want the eventual "winning side" to be able to blame them for "supplying the enemy". This is a typical example that could have been used by the Confederacy or the Union.

This sword conforms closely to the M-1840 U.S. Heavy Cavalry pattern, and is approximately 39 1/4 inches in overall length. It has a brass wire bound leather grip which is in fair condition, with moderate loss to the leather and the wire now loose. The hilt bears a lightly patinated brass three branch handguard fitted to a wicked heavy curved blade measuring 33”, coming complete with its heavy all steel scabbard. The top of the crossguard is scratched with a name in blocky letters, appearing to read AMAM, a marking we could not identify. There are no other markings.

The blade has moderate oxidation staining with a couple of minor nicks in the edge. There is no blade buffer, and the blade has a tiny bit of wobble to the hilt.

The scabbard is in good condition, showing some of the original bright steel finish, with the rest now showing moderate oxidation staining. There are some heavy dents in the scabbard as shown. Both suspension rings are retained.

The combination of the M1840-pattern construction, full-length heavy curved blade, brass three-branch guard, surviving leather and wire grip, steel scabbard, and unidentified AMAM inscription makes this a strong Civil War-era cavalry saber for further study. The blade oxidation, minor edge nicks, loose grip wire, small amount of blade movement, missing blade buffer, and dented scabbard are the principal condition issues, while the sword retains the imposing form associated with the classic American “Wrist Breaker.”

Approximate Dimensions:
Blade Length: 33”
Blade Style: Single Edged Curved Saber with Wide Fuller
Overall length: 39 1/4”
Basket dimensions: 5" width x 5” length
Scabbard length: 37 1/2”

The Model 1840 was the principal heavy cavalry saber adopted by the United States during the antebellum period and remained extensively used during the Civil War.

The Model 1840 Cavalry Saber was based on the 1822 French hussar's sabre. Unlike its replacement, the Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber, the M1840 has a ridge around its quillon, a leather grip wrapped in wire (rather than grooves cut into the wooden handle) and a flat, slotted throat. It is 44" long with a 35" blade and weighs roughly 2.5 lbs.