The Model 1840 Cavalry Saber
The Model 1840 Cavalry Saber was based on the 1822 French hussar’s sabre, which after US trials of various European sabers, was chosen to copy. It has a heavy flat-backed blade, a brass handguard basket and wire-wrapped leather handle. The blade length was 33 inches and weighed about 2 1/2 pounds. It was produced from 1844-1858 and some of the top makers were Ames, Tiffany and Horstmann, and some made in Germany and imported.
The sword was used in the Mexican-American War and dubbed “Old Wristbreaker” due to it’s heavy weight. It also saw service in the Civil War, as they were more readily accessible than the Model 1860 cavalry saber. As the war progressed, cavalry clashes became less common and troopers were mainly used for recon and as skirmishers, leaving their swords behind for pistols and carbines.
*Images courtesy of International Military Antiques.
American Militaria Reference
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