Civil War Ames Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber Sword with Scabbard/ SOLD

Civil War Ames Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber Sword with Scabbard - Inventory Number: SWO 279 / SOLD

This model saber was called the "wrist breaker" as it is a relatively heavy cavalry saber that was manufactured before, and used extensively throughout, the Civil War. This example is stamped "N.P. AMES CABOTVILLE 1847" on one side of the blade and "US" "N W P." on the reverse side. This follows the standard configuration with a blade about 35 ½” long with wide central fuller and narrower fuller running just under the square back of the blade. The brass hilt is complete with leather wrapped and wire bound grip, and the scabbard is complete with throat, carrying rings and bands, and drag. The hilt is excellent, with a mellow, medium patina to the brass and just small brown age stains. The pommel cap is smooth with no roughness or sign of re-peening to the tang. The grip wrap has a deep brown color with nice finish and surface showing only minor rubs, and the brass wire binding is tight and in place. The blade pad is also in place on the underside of the guard. The blade is very good. Very good condition.

The Model 1840 was based on the French M1822 and replaced the lighter and far less robust US Model 1833 saber for dragoons. Ames received their first contract for 2,000 in 1844, on which deliveries stretched into 1845 and 1846. Contracts and deliveries of the pattern continued into 1858, with a final total of 23,700. This one is in very good condition and dated 1849 and likely from deliveries made from January 27, 1849, to January 12, 1850, totaling about 3,470 swords.

Inventory Number: SWO 279 / SOLD