Prussian made Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry Sword, 36.5 in. blade and 41.5 in. overall with a deeply curved blade and brass handguard and pommel, marked ‘US’ on the pommel. The handguard is formed of three bars intersecting at the pommel, and the grip in this example lacks the leather covering usually seen, leaving the underlying wood exposed with the original braided brass securing wire tightly wrapped around it. Stamped on the ricasso is the maker mark for CR Kirschbaum, Solingen, Prussia. Housed within a steel scabbard with two suspension rings. No dents to the scabbard or blade, though notable oxidation throughout both. This type of sword was commonly referred to as a ‘wrist-breaker’ due to its cumbersome length and weight, and saw extensive action during the Civil War by both the Union and Confederacy.