Item Description
Original item: Only One Available. This heavy Cavalry Saber, known as "Old Wristbreaker" among troops, was designated the U.S. Model of 1840, and was the principal cavalry saber used until the Model of 1860 was introduced. As such it was widely used in the War between the States on both sides. Many examples made during the Civil War era utilized imported German Blades, however this example was made by Ames Manufacturing Co., one of the largest sword suppliers during the early-mid 19th century. It would go on to manufacture all types of swords during the Civil War.
The sword all brass mounts, a wood with leather wrapped sword grip, though unfortunately the original scabbard is missing. The leather grip has been re-wrapped at some point, long ago, as the replacement wrapping is now also aged and worn. It was properly redone with brass wrapping, so it may have been done at arsenal. The original leather blade buffer washer is also missing.
The wicked heavy 36 inch curved blade's ricasso is marked on one side with the Ames 1837-1848 style address, which is still clear -
AMES MFG CO.
CABOT VILLE
1851
On the other side it is marked-
U.S.
A.D.K.
During the moving period, there was a cross over between the stamped address. The inspector mark A.D.K., stands for Andrew D. King , who inspected swords 1840-1865.
The blade does have staining, but there is little real rust, and it looks to still have the original factory edge. There are no nicks or dents, and it doesn't look to have been used much in service, if at all. The hilt is in lovely shape, with a nice patina.
A great example of a Civil War Era M-1840 Wristbreaker Saber, ready to display!
Dimensions:
Blade length: 36”
Blade style: Curved Saber with Double Fullers
Overall length: 42”
Handguard: 5”x 5”
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.
The M1840 was designed for slashing and because of its heavy flat-backed blade was given the nickname "Old Wristbreaker." It was adopted due to the army's dissatisfaction with its predecessor the model 1833 Dragoon Saber, the first cavalry sword adopted by the US Army. The iron-hilted M1833 was based on a Napoleonic-era British sword used by heavy cavalry and reputed to wrap "rubber like around a man's head and was only good for cutting butter" An ornate gilded version of this earlier sword was used by General Philip Sheridan during the Civil War; Sheridan had its sheath engraved with the battles he participated in. It was evident a replacement was needed so in 1838 the US Ordnance Dept bought British, French and Prussian swords and field-tested them. The troopers overwhelmingly preferred the French saber, and a copy of it was put into production in 1844. A total of 2000 were ordered and by 1846, 600 were in frontline service.
The 1840 saber was used during the U.S.-Mexican War by US Cavalry. The main contractors were Ames of Cabotville, Horstmann, and Tiffany but due to the large number of swords required at least 1000 were made in Germany by S&K and imported. Some troopers used Prussian sabers as an alternative, which in contrast to the M1840 had straight blades.
When production ceased in 1858 over 23,700 were made. During the US Civil War it continued to be issued to Union Cavalry as in the early years it was more readily available than the M1860. George B McClellan carried one at the front, keeping his regulation officer's sword for full dress occasions. Many were also used by the Confederacy including General Nathan Bedford Forrest who had both edges of his sword sharpened to increase combat effectiveness.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle