Windlass – 1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber
In stock
Price range: $195.45 through $229.95
- Shipping estimated at checkout
- Every blade inspected before shipping
- Class
- Battle Ready
- Overall Length
- 41 1/2''
- Weight
- 2 lb 5.5 oz
- Brand
- Windlass Steelcrafts
- Culture
- American
- Era
- 19th Century
Overview
Windlass - 1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber
The 1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber known as the '''Wrist Breaker'' because of it's heavy forward weight, saw service in the US from it's issue in 1840 through the Civil War and into the Plains Indians wars of the 1870s and 80s.
Features a tempered 1065 carbon steel blade, solid brass pommel and three bar guard, and a wood grip wrapped in leather and brass wire. Includes a steel scabbard with hanging rings.
Specifications
Every measurement that matters
- Brand
- Windlass Steelcrafts
- Culture
- American
- Era
- 19th Century
- Pommel
- Peened
- Overall Length
- 41 1/2''
- Blade Length
- 35 1/4''
- Weight
- 2 lb 5.5 oz
- Edge
- Unsharpened
- P.O.B.
- 7 3/8''
- Thickness
- 7.3 mm 3.3 mm
- Width
- 30.2 mm
- Grip Length
- 4''
- Class
- Battle Ready
- Country of Origin
- India
- Type
- Saber
Reviews
What collectors are saying
Q&A
Questions from the community
Q What materials are used in this 1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber? Common Question
Tempered 1065 carbon steel blade, solid brass pommel and three-bar guard, wood grip wrapped in leather with brass wire; steel scabbard with two suspension rings.
Q How does it handle and where is the point of balance? Common Question
It has the heavy forward-weight feel typical of the historic "Wrist Breaker"; point of balance is about 7 3/8 inches from the guard.
Q Is the edge sharpened from the factory? Common Question
No, it is listed as unsharpened; sharpening services may be available separately.
Q What are the key dimensions and weight? Common Question
Overall length 41 1/2 in, blade length 35 1/4 in, width 30.2 mm, thickness 7.3 mm tapering to 3.3 mm, grip length 4 in, weight 2 lb 5.5 oz.
Q What is the grip construction and pommel type? Common Question
Wood core grip wrapped in leather with brass wire; the pommel is peened.
Q Is it suitable for reenactment or cutting? Common Question
Classed as battle ready with tempered steel and solid fittings; suitable for responsible historical reenactment and training. Cutting use requires a properly sharpened edge and safe practices.
Q Does it include a scabbard? Common Question
Yes, a steel scabbard with two hanging rings is included.
Q What is its historical inspiration? Common Question
Modeled on the US 1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber used from its 1840 issue through the Civil War and into the Plains Indian Wars of the 1870s–80s.
Q Who manufactures it and where is it made? Common Question
Manufactured by Windlass Steelcrafts; country of origin is India.
Q Any care tips for the blade and scabbard? Common Question
Keep the carbon steel blade clean and lightly oiled to prevent rust; avoid storing long-term in the steel scabbard, and periodically check and wipe the brass fittings to maintain their finish.
The Maker
Windlass Steelcrafts
Windlass Steelcrafts not only creates props, clothing, and accessories to customers and popular TV productions, but also military supplies to governments across six continents – a testament to their expertise and quality. Their weapons, armor, shields, clothing and accessories are top notch quality for a price you can’t beat.
Often paired together
Fine, functional, workaday saber. I own this, as well as the 1860 Light Cavalry Saber, also by Windlass, and I`ll compare and contrast both here.
The grip of this 1840 model is somewhat “beefier” than the 1860, and the brass wires twisted round the grip are not proud of the grip; the groove they rest in is not so wide, and the land is well rounded and not sharply gabled, as is the case with the grip of the 1860. Measured along the `backstrap` from underside of guard plate to pommel side of the rounded lip above the pommel proper, the grip is 5 13/64″, ditto the 1860. Measured inside the knucklebow, the grip is 4 5/16″, again ditto the 1860.
The wide and narrow fullers are 24 1/2″ and 15 5/16″ in length respectively, and 24″ and 17 3/4″ on 1860. At the forte, my example is 8.95 mm in thickness and 3.2 mm at 3″ from point; 4.35 mm and 3.45 mm the 1860. Width at forte: 31.5 mm 1840 and 29.5 mm the 1860. I lined the scabbard with two very thin strips of balsa wood traced to shape slightly wider around than the blade, to prevent rattle, as well as improve blade retention and reduce scratches and dings to the blade. Sharpened this myself, half the length from point. In the words of a more experienced and knowledgeable collector, “These are very real, functional cavalry weapons”.
I just received this monster saber today, but it has a very good balance, you don’t feel the weight of the blade . I am a fencer, and i don’t feel uncomfortable to fence with this saber if I have to . Very good quality!!
Elias Katsaros
Just got this sword on 20250425,
I love it!! It’s a beast of a sword, it’s super comfortable to hold in my hand and the sheath is super cool and surprisingly light and easy to grasp. The blade is beautiful and sharp! I got the sharpening service and it’s worth it! I’m very satisfied with this wood highly recommend it!
Fine saber! — I purchased this model mainly because it’s longer than average (and I’m a taller than average guy). Used KOA’s sharpening service — can understand why it’s known as the “wrist breaker; be careful not to let it lead you. Very happy with the purchase — purchased a proper service frog from Marlow White to wear when I’m in military uniform (retired Army). Happy to recommend it to others — it’s a solid piece…