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Old 13th June 2017, 01:49 PM   #16
kronckew
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Room 101, Glos. UK
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Victrix
Does anyone know why some Ottoman and Balkan swords have their rings set in parallel on either side of the scabbard, rather than alongside each other at different lengths of the scabbard?? It seems a curious practice.
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two rings on either side of the scabbard near the throat as in UK swords from 1850-ish to date, allow for hanging the sword vertically from a belt or baldric while on horseback. the wearer usually also has a hook on his belt which he uses on the spine side ring to hang it in a more convenient angle while on foot. i seem to recall seeing a few scabbards that also had a third suspension ring further down the scabbard towards the chape 'drag' end, allowing for either method of suspension.
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