British General 1831 Mameluke Saber – Universal Swords
In stock
$239.99
- Shipping estimated at checkout
- Every blade inspected before shipping
- 30-day returns
- Class
- Battle Ready
- Blade
- 1060-1065 High Carbon Steel
- Overall Length
- 38 1/8''
- Weight
- 1 lb 12 oz
- Brand
- Universal Swords
- Culture
- British
- Era
- 19th Century
Overview
British General 1831 Mameluke Saber - Universal Swords
At first glance this sword may appear to be a Mameluke saber, but a closer look at the blade bears the etched markings of the crown of the British Empire. This British adoption of an Eastern design is a reflection of Britains worldly Empire, its spoils after the defeat of Napoleon. When Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington became Commander in Chief in 1827, he would be seen carrying a Mameluke sword gifted to him by an Indian Potentate. No doubt influenced by him, by 1831 the Mameluke-hilted saber would become the regulation sword for officers of Major-General and above.
This reproduction of this unique sword of the British Empire bears the crossed Marshals baton and sword etched into the blade of unsharpened, tempered high carbon steel. The crossguard and brass accents of the hilt are brass and the grip is faux ivory. The scabbard is of brass with two suspension rings. A leather washer at the base of the blade protects the crossguard from colliding into the brass throat of the scabbard.
Specifications
Every measurement that matters
- Brand
- Universal Swords
- Culture
- British
- Era
- 19th Century
- Pommel
- Integrated
- Overall Length
- 38 1/8''
- Blade Length
- 32 3/4''
- Blade
- 1060-1065 High Carbon Steel
- Weight
- 1 lb 12 oz
- Edge
- Unsharpened
- P.O.B.
- 7''
- Thickness
- 5.4 mm - 4 mm
- Width
- 25.7 mm
- Grip Length
- 3 5/8''
- Class
- Battle Ready
- Country of Origin
- India
- Type
- Saber
Reviews
What collectors are saying
Q&A
Questions from the community
Q What kind of sword is this, and what is it based on? Common Question
This is a reproduction of the British 1831 Mameluke-hilted saber, the pattern that became regulation for officers of Major-General rank and above after the Duke of Wellington was seen carrying one following Britain's campaigns in Egypt. The curved blade and hilt styling echo Eastern Mameluke sabers, while the etched crown and crossed marshal's baton and sword mark it as the distinct British Empire pattern.
Q What is the blade made of, and does it come sharp? Common Question
The blade is 1060-1065 high carbon steel, tempered for durability, and it ships unsharpened. That makes it well suited to handling, display, and historical study rather than use as a cutting sword.
Q Is this a full-tang sword? Common Question
Yes. The tang is forged from the same piece of high carbon steel as the blade, running most of the length of the grip rather than stopping short. It is dual pinned through the grip components, giving the sword a solid, one-piece composite construction from blade to pommel.
Q What are the grip, hilt, and scabbard made of? Common Question
The grip is faux ivory, and the crossguard and knuckle guard carry brass accents matching the historical original. The scabbard is brass as well, fitted with two suspension rings for belt or baldric mounting and a leather washer at the throat to keep the crossguard from striking the metal mouth.
Q How does the balance work on this saber? Common Question
The point of balance sits 7 inches out from the guard, on a 32 3/4 inch blade and 38 1/8 inch overall length, with the sword weighing 1 lb 12 oz. That balance keeps the saber comfortable to carry, draw, and present, in keeping with its role as an officer's dress and parade sword.
Q What is this sword good for? Common Question
This is a historically accurate reproduction of an officer's dress saber, built battle-ready with a tempered high-carbon steel blade and one-piece tang-and-pommel construction, but it ships unsharpened. It suits collectors, historical display, and reenactment carry rather than use as a working cutter, and its brass scabbard and fittings make it a strong choice for anyone wanting the look and heft of the original 1831 pattern.
Q Should I store this sword in its scabbard? Common Question
The brass scabbard is fine for carrying, display, and short-term storage, and keeps the blade protected while suspended from a belt or baldric. For long-term storage, it's better to keep the blade outside the scabbard, since moisture can accumulate and get trapped inside, which works against the light coat of oil you use to protect the high carbon steel from rust.
Q Where is this sword made? Common Question
It is made in India.
Q Does it come with a scabbard? Common Question
Yes, it includes a matching brass scabbard with two suspension rings for mounting to a belt or baldric, finished to match the sword's hilt.
Video
See it in motion
The Maker
Universal Swords
With origins going back to 1960, India’s Universal Swords has been making reproduction swords for decades. With an emphasis on military sabers, universal produces a number of designs not found elsewhere. As the official US distributor of Universal Swords, KOA will be expanding to stock their entire line over time.
Often paired together
good saber this model is a good saber, but a bit more petite than i had anticipated, i know my own fault which is true. the grip is very small but nicely put together. the scabbard is the most noisy scabbard i have ever owned, has no liner f any kind and rattles like a bag of metal bones. the saber is very attractive and well put together and the KOA sharpening is a good value as ever.
This is a small but mighty saber in that if you can use your wrist well and almost sling it, and please do that with no other living beings around, makes a light and speedy backyard cutter. The distal taper of course is not quite right and the section from the false edge to the tip (fore?) could be thinner by a couple mm but with a slim, narrow, lightweight saber like this one, backyard cutting should be no issue. Apologies I’m not a saber fighting practioner, so try at your own risk. It makes a beautiful decor in its scabbard.