This U.S. contract Model 1840 Cavalry Saber was manufactured by Ames in 1855. This model was adopted after the military tested the French 1822 hussar sabers and was nicknamed "Old Wristbreaker" for its weight. This was the primary issue saber during the Mexican-American War and was replaced by the similar but lighter U.S. Model 1860 Saber during the Civil War but remained in wide use throughout the conflict by cavalrymen on both sides. It has an iron scabbard with "JH" (John Hannis) inspection mark on the drag, a 36 inch curved blade with "US/JH" on the right ricasso and "AMES MFG CO./CHICOPEE/MASS/1855" on the left side, leather washer at the base of the blade, and a brass hilt with twisted wire wrapped grip. Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection

Fine exterior, with attractive aged patina on the hilt, mild wear on the leather on the grip, exceptionally fine bright polished blade, mottled gray patina and light surface pitting on the scabbard, and distinct markings throughout. It is certainly an exceptional representative example of an iconic U.S. cavalry saber.