Civil War sword, Model 1840 Cavalry Saber and Scabbard (SOLD)

This is another nice item being offered, it is a Model 1840 Cavalry Saber. The model 1840, called the "wrist breaker", was a relatively heavy cavalry saber, and being it was manufactured before the Civil War, it saw extensive use by both sides. The standard features include a relatively straight wooden handle covered with leather and a wire. The brass hilt has three branches, a brass pommel cap and an unadorned guard.

The steel blade has a flat back with a stopped fuller. It has an iron scabbard with iron mountings. The manufacturer is not identified but these types of sabers were likely supplied to state and local militia units and were not Federal inspected. Some were American manufactured, some assembled in America using European parts and some were manufactured and assembled in Europe.

The wood grip is intact and covered by black leather and wire but as seen in the pictures, there is a little loss of leather from use. The leather washer is intact and the blade is clean and bright; the scabbard is complete and in pretty nice condition – the small dent near the bottom of the scabbard was done intentionally - cavalrymen did this to keep the sword snug and from rattling while on horseback.

Overall it is a tight sword and a good representation of a Civil War saber. It is not a surplus piece but one that was used during the war, showing honest wear but not abused.