Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - In service 'acceptable' modifications to military Sabres.

Atlantia · 10th August 2010, 10:31 PM

I've often thought it interesting that some military sabres, particularly of the later 19thC seem to have 'field' modifications while others don't.

The first that springs to mind is edgeless sabres (of the cavalry stabbing variety) being sharpened.
Presumably if you are in a regiment that is issued with a 'point only' sabre then your entire training with that sword would avoid the need to slash with it?
Obviously this only relates to those swords made in the 'traditional' shape and not the very late ones with the double back spine that simply couldn't be sharpened.

Also, hilt blackening/painting. I've seen sabres where this is apparently a service life mod.
Wouldn't the painted ones stand out and get you reprimanded?
Was it just a 'field' mod?
Rust proofing?

Any others? Any thoughts?

10th August 2010, 10:31 PM	#1
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	In service 'acceptable' modifications to military Sabres. I've often thought it interesting that some military sabres, particularly of the later 19thC seem to have 'field' modifications while others don't. The first that springs to mind is edgeless sabres (of the cavalry stabbing variety) being sharpened. Presumably if you are in a regiment that is issued with a 'point only' sabre then your entire training with that sword would avoid the need to slash with it? Obviously this only relates to those swords made in the 'traditional' shape and not the very late ones with the double back spine that simply couldn't be sharpened. Also, hilt blackening/painting. I've seen sabres where this is apparently a service life mod. Wouldn't the painted ones stand out and get you reprimanded? Was it just a 'field' mod? Rust proofing? Any others? Any thoughts?