Product Description
CIVIL WAR Era KLINGENTHAL U.S. M1840 Heavy CAVALRY Style Saber SCABBARD
With PATRIOTIC ETCHED BLADE & SHARKSKIN GRIP
Here we present an antique Klingenthal U.S. Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry Pattern or Dragoon Style Saber, made circa the Civil War Era in Klingenthal, France. Regulation French swords of the 19th century were primarily issued by two major government manufacturers, those being Klingenthal, in the east of France and later, Chatellerault in the center of the country. At the beginning of the 18th century, King Louis XV created a state-controlled sword manufacturing company in order to limit the imports of Solingen blades to France. The Alsace province in the east of France was chosen for the availability of iron mines, forges, and wood for charcoal. In 1768, accommodations were built in a place called Klingenthal (Klingen=blades, and thal=valley), so the factory became “Manufacture de Klingenthal”. Under this name, thousands of blades were produced until the end of the 19th century, many of which were shipped to the United States for the American Civil War.
This example is made in the pattern of the Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber referred to as “Old Wristbreaker”. The Model 1840 was the second cavalry saber adopted by the U.S. after the Model 1833. The M1840 actually reached back further to the French Model 1822 for its inspiration. It was heavy and made for slashing during the cavalry charge with its swept back blade shape. Its moniker, “Old Wristbreaker”, was quite fitting. It served through the Mexican American War, and even though a new blade was adopted in the Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber, the M1840 saw fighting from both the Union and Confederate points of view during the American Civil War.
The 1840 saber was used during the Mexican–American War by U.S. Cavalry. The main contractors were Ames of Cabotville, Horstmann, and Tiffany but due to the large number of swords required at least 1,000 were made in Germany by S&K and imported. Some troopers used Prussian sabers as an alternative, which in contrast to the Model 1840 had straight blades. When production ceased in 1858 over 23,700 had been made. During the American Civil War, it continued to be issued to Union Cavalry as in the early years it was more readily available than the Model 1860. Many were also used by the Confederacy including General Nathan Bedford Forrest who had both edges of his sword sharpened to increase combat effectiveness.
The overall condition is very good. A light shimmer has been preserved on the blade, but most finish has dulled. Legible etchings and the blade is straight. Some wiggle is present in the hand guard. Good scabbard.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Overall Length: 37 inches.
Blade Length: 32 inches.
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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$900
#234048