Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

kronckew · 27th June 2007, 01:33 PM

i see this on a few similar sabre hilts, noteably the one on this illustration appears to have that feature.

and this one:

just a reasoned guess:

the 90 degree corner there is a weak point & in a casting especially would require a radiused section on the inside as re-enforcement. the decorative lines may be just that, or as this area is also used to attach the sword knots (used as a lanyard to keep you from accidentally dropping your sword while on horseback, which could prove embarrassing in a battle) it could serve as a restraining device to keep the knot in place. many hilts of course have a slot near the pommel for this (like the heavy cav. sabre in the photo).

27th June 2007, 01:33 PM	#8
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,215	i see this on a few similar sabre hilts, noteably the one on this illustration appears to have that feature. and this one: just a reasoned guess: the 90 degree corner there is a weak point & in a casting especially would require a radiused section on the inside as re-enforcement. the decorative lines may be just that, or as this area is also used to attach the sword knots (used as a lanyard to keep you from accidentally dropping your sword while on horseback, which could prove embarrassing in a battle) it could serve as a restraining device to keep the knot in place. many hilts of course have a slot near the pommel for this (like the heavy cav. sabre in the photo). Last edited by kronckew; 27th June 2007 at 02:04 PM.