Product Description
MEXICAN-AMERICAN WAR Era 1846 Dated CHATELLERAULT M1840 Heavy CAVALRY Saber
U.S. Import with BRASS GUARD and LEATHER GRIP
Here we present an antique French Chatellerault Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry Pattern or Dragoon Style Saber, made at the beginning of the Mexican-American War in 1846 at the Chatellerault Arsenal in Chatellerault, 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. Under these names, tens of thousands of blades were produced until the end of the 19th century, many of which were shipped to the United States for the Mexican-American War and 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 good. Solid hilt all around. The wire is loose around the grip. Markings on the spine are legible. Straight blade, with pitted and oxidized surfaces.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Overall Length: 42-1/2 inches.
Blade Length: 36-1/2 inches.
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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$900
#234047