US 1860 Heavy Cavalry Saber

At the outbreak of the American Civil War, there were two types of sabers issued to the Federal Cavalry: "light" and "heavy". The light version was popular, but the heavy model, dubbed the "Old Wrist Breaker" was the one worth owning, as it was a superior weapon. Its 36" blade offered big reach advantages over most sabers, and its substantial weight gave it the leverage to easily crush bonesand sever limbs or even a head with a single blow. The brass guard had three bars to protect the hand and the grip was wire bound leather and capped with a sturdy pommel. In its double ringed, steel scabbard, it could be easily attached to a saddle or to a belt.