Swords & Weaponry

U.S. Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber, commonly known as the "Wristbreaker," with verbal provenance as an early battlefield pickup from the Battle of Shiloh. Fought April 6–7, 1862, Shiloh pitted approximately 45,000 Confederates against 65,000 Union soldiers and resulted in nearly 24,000 casualties. The staggering violence and loss of life shocked the nation, making Shiloh the bloodiest battle in American history up to that time. According to its verbal provenance, this saber was recovered from the Shiloh battlefield. The scabbard and original leather grips are missing, likely from exposure to the elements before its recovery. Measurements: Overall Length: 42" Blade Length: 35½" Provenance Note: The Shiloh battlefield association is based on verbal provenance accompanying the artifact and is not independently documented.

A Civil War-period excavated Springfield socket bayonet, made for use with the Springfield rifle-musket. This example was recovered near the Fredericksburg, Virginia battlefield in 1952. Despite its excavated condition, the bayonet remains completely intact and retains a remarkably fine tip. An excellent battlefield-associated relic from one of the Civil War's most significant campaigns.

A Civil War-period excavated Springfield socket bayonet, made for use with the .58 Springfield rifle-musket. This example was recovered near Atlanta, Georgia—the site of the bloody 1864 Atlanta Campaign and the opening chapter of Sherman’s advance through Georgia. Despite its excavated condition, the bayonet remains completely intact and retains a remarkably fine tip. An excellent battlefield-associated relic from one of the war’s most consequential campaigns.

A beautiful, Civil War–dated Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber manufactured in 1864 by Mansfield & Lamb of Rhode Island. Originally a producer of farm scythes, the firm secured a government contract and delivered approximately 37,458 cavalry sabers between February 1862 and the end of the Civil War. This example displays honest wear from extensive field use, particularly along the scabbard and drag. The wire-wrapped leather grip shows wear and a crack on the reverse. The maker's mark, 1864 date, and inspector's initials remain exceptionally clear. The scabbard is free of dents and bends, while the blade has no notable damage and retains a sharp edge. Overall, this is a spectacular and well-preserved artifact of the American Civil War that undoubtedly saw service.

An original 1862-dated U.S. Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber manufactured by Mansfield & Lamb of Rhode Island. Originally a producer of farm scythes, the firm secured a government contract and delivered approximately 37,458 cavalry sabers between February 1862 and the end of the Civil War. Only about 10,000 were manufactured in 1862, with the production issued for wartime service. 1862 is the most desirable year of this series of M1860s. This example displays extensive wear to the scabbard and drag, consistent with prolonged field use dragging against the ground while the soldier walked. Roughly 90% of the original leather grip remains, although the wire wrapping is missing and the wood underneath the leather is visible in spots with heavy wear. The maker's mark, date, and inspector's initials remain clearly visible and beautifully preserved. The scabbard is free of major damage, with only a small nick and a slight dent towards the scabbard throat, which does not affect the saber sliding cleanly in and out of the scabbard. The edge of the guard is bent upwards, a common soldier alteration which allowed for more comfortable carrying. The blade edge has a couple of minor nicks. Overall, this is a spectacular and heavily used artifact of the American Civil War with outstanding historical character.

This M1840 U.S. Heavy Cavalry Saber, nicknamed the “Wristbreaker” because of its substantial weight, was reportedly found concealed within the walls of a Civil War period plantation home in northern Mississippi. The saber was manufactured by the prominent German firm Schnitzler & Kirschbaum of Solingen, which supplied early contract blades to the United States. The firm’s “S&K” marking remains visible on the bottom of the scabbard drag. The blade is in good condition and retains a sharp point. The hilt is missing its original wooden and leather grip. Because the leather washer between the blade and guard is also missing, the two components rattle slightly. The scabbard displays several minor dents, and a firm pull is required to unsheathe the saber. Both scabbard suspension rings remain intact. Although the saber’s provenance is verbal, its condition is consistent with an attic or barn find. It was protected from direct exposure to the elements but was not properly stored. Based on its reported discovery location, it may have been concealed during the Civil War to prevent its capture or confiscation. The M1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber was among the most widely used cavalry swords of the American Civil War. This examples overall condition is fair and consistent with its reported provenance.