Original Item. Only One Available. This is a good original U.S. Civil War-era Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber, commonly known among collectors as the “Wrist Breaker” because of its substantial weight and heavy blade. The saber is unmarked as to maker and may represent a German-made import. It has also undergone a relatively recent restoration, including replacement of the leather grip covering, wire wrap, and blade buffer, together with extensive cleaning and polishing of the metal surfaces.

The Model 1840 was the principal U.S. heavy cavalry saber before the adoption of the lighter Model 1860 pattern. Examples remained in military inventories and saw extensive use during the American Civil War, particularly during the conflict’s earlier years. Sabers of this pattern were also used during the Mexican-American War and continued in service after newer models became available.

This fine restored 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.

The only markings on the entire saber are the number 57 stamped on the end of the handguard and on the pommel, which likely were used to match the hardware before the sword was assembled.

The hilt is fitted with a three branch brass guard and brass pommel. The brass has been entirely cleaned and polished with no patina remaining. The guard remains tight against the blade without noticeable wobble, but it is possible the blade was removed and reattached when it was restored. The grip consists of a shaped wooden core covered in black leather. The grip was restored so it looks the way it did when it was first made, but the leather and wire are all brand new, along with the leather blade buffer.

The 35 ½” blade has been cleaned but there is still oxidation spotting present along its length along with runner wear. The overall length is 41 ⅛”.

It comes complete with its heavy steel scabbard, which is in good condition but the finish has likely been cleaned. It has an oxidized patina with heavy peppering, with some minor denting. Both suspension rings are in good shape.

The combination of the full-length 35 ½-inch blade, M1840 heavy cavalry profile, matching 57 assembly numbers, three-branch brass guard, surviving steel scabbard, and professionally restored grip assembly makes this a strong representative Civil War-era saber. The replaced leather and wire grip, new blade buffer, polished brass, cleaned blade and scabbard, oxidation spotting, and minor scabbard denting are important condition and restoration details, while the underlying sword remains a substantial example of the classic American Model 1840 “Wrist Breaker.”

Dimensions:
Blade length: 35 1/2”
Blade style: Curved Saber with Double Fuller
Overall length: 41 1/8”
Handguard: 5”x 5”
Scabbard length: 36 ⅝”