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. 

The sword has all brass mounts, a wood with leather wrapped sword grip, and a nice steel scabbard. The leather of the grip is partly intact, as the leather grip wrapping has unfortunately deteriorated and partly fallen away. The twisted brass wire wrapping is fully intact, though it is loose on the grip due to the leather shrinking. The leather blade buffer is intact and in great shape, and the guard is tight on the blade, with no wobble.

The wicked heavy 36 inch heavy curved blade's ricasso is stamped on one side with the makers name, which is slightly worn -

There is no marking on the other ricasso, as sabers by Horstmann's were usually privately purchased. They were a large Military outfitter, and sold all types of items for the military. Many of the blades they used were imported from Germany, though we do not see any markings on the blade. They were often imported unmarked, so they could be customized if desired.

The blade is in very good shape, with a lovely aged gray patina. There is no major rust pitting, and only a few nicks on the blade edge. The three branch brass hand guard is in good shape, and has a lovely oxidized patina.

It comes complete with its heavy steel scabbard, which is in very good condition. It has a nice oxidized patina with light peppering, and no major dents or other issues. It does have markings on the drag, G-T as well as S & K, indicating manufacture by Schnitzler & Kirschbaum of Solingen, Germany. This company was directly contracted by the U.S. government, as well as by many retailers during the war.

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 Fuller
Overall length: 42”
Handguard: 5”x 5”
Scabbard length: 37 1/4”

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.