V
These two cavalry sabers differ in that they are somewhat heavier than the regulation Model 1840. Both the Confederacy and the United States contracted German companies to make many thousands of these swords and the specifications required that the swords be like the US Model 1840 sword that the soldiers called “Old Wristbreaker”. These German swords are even heavier than the too heavy M1840! In the picture, the sword on the left is a Confederate sword from Nashville. The one on the right is a Union sword. At first glance, they seem to be exactly alike. Closer examination shows differences. Sword V is not as well made as Sword W – small details in the casting and the grinding of the blade differ. Sword V has no maker’s mark. Sword W, the Union sword, has the mark of W.R. Kirschbaum & Cie. – the head of a knight in armor. That company made swords in 1862 and 1863. The shape of the grips is different as can be seen in the picture.
Inclusion of these swords in this collection can be questioned. They are not artistic. They are ugly. However, they were made and sold to serve one purpose – deadly combat.
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