M1917 Polish Cavalry Saber

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	Weapon: M1917 Polish Cavalry Saber Type: Cavalry Saber Country of Origin: Poland Year Adopted: 1917 Overall Length (mm): 1050.0 Overall Length (in): 41.34 Weight (kg): 1.00 Weight (pounds): 2.2

The M1917 Polish Cavalry Saber, also known as the wz. 1917, was designed as a versatile and robust weapon for the Polish cavalry during the interwar period. It featured a slightly curved, single-edged blade approximately 34 inches in length, optimized for slashing and thrusting. The hilt included a simple yet effective steel guard to protect the user's hand, and the grip was typically made of wood wrapped in leather, providing a secure and comfortable hold. Its design drew inspiration from earlier cavalry sabers, blending traditional Polish sword-making craftsmanship with practical features suited for modern combat scenarios.

The production of the M1917 saber began shortly after Poland regained independence in 1918. Several Polish manufacturers, including the well-known Ludwikow Steelworks, produced these sabers to equip the reconstituted Polish cavalry units. While exact production figures are not well-documented, it is estimated that tens of thousands of these sabers were made to meet the needs of the Polish Army during the interwar period. The saber was primarily used by the renowned Polish uhlans, whose cavalry traditions were deeply rooted in Poland's military history.

The M1917 Polish Cavalry Saber saw significant service during the Polish-Soviet War (1919-1921) and later in the early stages of World War II. Its use in the September Campaign of 1939, where Polish cavalry units famously engaged German forces, solidified its reputation. While the saber became largely obsolete as a weapon of war due to advancements in firearms, it remained a symbol of Polish national pride and the storied tradition of the cavalry. Today, the M1917 saber is celebrated as an emblem of Polish resilience and is highly prized by collectors and historians.