This is a Model 1840 Cavalry Saber, also referred to as a Heavy Cavalry Saber, manufactured by Sheble & Fisher of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The sword measures 40 1/2" overall, with a blade length of 35". The blade is slightly curved with a wide, flat back that measures 1 1/4" at the ricasso. It is a single edged blade with an integral fuller that measures 24 1/4" and a narrow fuller along the false edge measuring 18 3/4" in length. The edge of the sword has a couple of small nicks near the tip of the blade. The polish is gone from this one, leaving the blade a dull steel gray patina mottled with black age spots over the entire blade. The reverse ricasso is marked SHEBLE & FISHER in an arc over PHILADa. The obverse ricasso has no markings, as these sabers have no US inspectors markings. They were not awarded a contract from the US government, so these sabers were supplied to state and militia units only. The blade has never been sharpened. The brass hilt has a dark, aged patina. The original scalloped leather washer is still intact and the blade is very tight to the hilt. The wooden grip is still covered in the original leather wrap. There are no cracks in the grip. The leather wrap is intact and tight to the grip. The double twisted brass wire is also tight to the grip. The brass pommel cap is tight on the grip. The peen appears to be unmolested. The original iron scabbard has no inspector marks. The scabbard has taken on a dark gray patina with only slight pitting in a couple of spots. The drag is integral and unusually large. The mounts and suspension rings show plenty of honest wear. This is an excellent example of the old "wrist breaker" heavy cavalry saber used throughout the Civil War. It will make a fine addition to any Civil War Cavalry Saber collection.

Item # AA1278

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