November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
The Model 1840 cavalry saber, commonly referred to as the "wristbreaker”, was one of the most well used cavalry sabers by the United States mounted forces in the years leading up to, and throughout the Civil War. This model saber continued to be issued to Union cavalry forces, as they were more readily available than the newer M1860 cavalry sabers, and were obviously utilized in mass by the Confederacy as they were reliable compared to cruder counterparts. This example was manufactured by Ames and bears the markings “US / RC” on the obverse ricasso and “N.P. AMES / CABOTVILLE / 1847” on the reverse ricasso. The saber is in the standard Model 1840 configuration, with curved blade that features a double, stopped fuller, brass 3-band cavalry hilt with grooved wood grip, wrapped with leather and twisted brass wire. There is a leather knot attached to the knucklebow which is marked “5e ART.”. The sword is complete with its heavy iron scabbard. Although the saber appears as a usual M1840 at first glance, this example is documented to have been recovered from the Hammond Home in Libertytown, Maryland after Jeb Stuart’s raid on Chambersburg, Pennsylvania in October 1862. James “Jeb” Stuart's Chambersburg Raid was a Confederate cavalry incursion in which the Knight of the Golden Spurs lead 1,800 men and a 4-cannon light artillery battery into Maryland and Pennsylvania on October 10–12, 1862 for the purpose of gathering supplies and disrupting Union activity in the area. The raid was successful, as the rebel force was able to secure fresh horses, arms, and supplies, destroy Union equipment, gather information, and capture civilian officials for future exchanges with Confederate prisoners. After the success of the raid on October 10, Confederate forces began their return movement the following morning. Their route would take them on a different route through Cashtown, Pennsylvania, and Emmitsburg, Maryland. At some point during their withdraw, some of the Confederate forces stopped to take rest and loot supplies at the home of George Claton Hammond who lived 3/4 mile from Libertytown. George was busy hiding his best horses in the nearby swamp while his wife Liza Bond and their slave Delphin Jenkins made bread and coffee for the raiders, until their supplies ran thin. Once supplies were exhausted, some of the raiders became unruly, and the soldier who carried this saber began using the weapon for “destructive purposes” until it was taken from him by an officer and left at the home as the rebel forces continued their extraction. The sword remained in the Hammond family and was passed down for several generations until it was sold to Dan Hartzler on March 3, 1967. It has since remained untouched in his collection. The saber is accompanied by a folder of information which contains the March 3, 1967 dated notarized letter which is signed by a Hammond descendent. CONDITION: The blade exhibits a gray patina with scattered areas of freckling. Brass hilt exhibits a pleasing patina with nicely preserved gilding. Scattered spots from handling and age. The grip is missing almost all of its twisted wire with scattered traces towards the pommel. Leather knot exhibits scattered blemishes which are typical of old leather. The iron scabbard exhibits a chocolate patina but remains as sturdy as it was the day it was made. Pitting throughout its length which does not take away from its appearance. Overall very good. An excellent example of a wristbreaker with an interesting history.
Paperwork
Folder with Notarized Letter