Oval Ring in Scottish Basket hilts

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Mel H

There was some discussion quite a while since among collectors regarding the oval ring, the thinking being that it was there in order for a horseman to be able to quickly pass the sword temporarily to his left hand where his fingers could safely grip it through the ring till the user needed to take it back ready to use in his right hand. I really can't remember if anyone put forward any provenance.

Thank you very much Mel for responding. This was one of the suggested possible purposes mentioned in some of the literature, it seems Ive seen it mentioned a couple of times. I dont think this aperture can be deemed for any specific purpose by design, but would serve well in this as well as to hold reins. As with many of these questions on certain elements found in sword design and structurally in hilts, there is often no recorded support historically, but its always good to have these things in discourse where material is compiled.
Again, thank you for this entry!!!

[Battara]

I've often seen people post this theory for years. Since I don't ride horses nor have a Scottish basket hilt pre-1800 (), I have no idea.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Battara

I've often seen people post this theory for years. Since I don't ride horses nor have a Scottish basket hilt pre-1800 (), I have no idea.

No problem Jose, I find myself in the same situation in discussions on the edged weapons of SE Asia, Indonesia and the Phillipines. Its all in areas with which we are most familiar. To many, the question on these features is moot, but for those of us with inate curiosity, it simply seems to need answering.
Even the 'experts' dont know for sure, but just present the most plausible answers.

[M ELEY]

I personally think the ring is so you can hold the basket and your fingers can still hold your pewter shot of Drambuie

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by M ELEY

I personally think the ring is so you can hold the basket and your fingers can still hold your pewter shot of Drambuie

LOL!!!! Aye!!!!! Capn!!!

[NeilUK]

I can just imagine what's going to happen to your shot of Drambuie as you're charging at the enemy!
Back to the subject - I have a basket hilt horseman's broadsword (with a good broad German blade) of the Royal Regiment of Horseguards, c1750. By trial and error I reckon that it is easier to transfer the sword to the left, reins, hand, inserting the left thumb through the oval thus enabling you to draw your pistol with the right hand rather than trying (and fumbling) to insert the reins into the right-hand fingers through the oval, thus freeing the left hand to draw a pistol. Haven't tried this on horseback so might be on a wild goose chase.
Neil

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by NeilUK

I can just imagine what's going to happen to your shot of Drambuie as you're charging at the enemy!
Back to the subject - I have a basket hilt horseman's broadsword (with a good broad German blade) of the Royal Regiment of Horseguards, c1750. By trial and error I reckon that it is easier to transfer the sword to the left, reins, hand, inserting the left thumb through the oval thus enabling you to draw your pistol with the right hand rather than trying (and fumbling) to insert the reins into the right-hand fingers through the oval, thus freeing the left hand to draw a pistol. Haven't tried this on horseback so might be on a wild goose chase.
Neil

Yup Neil, not a good idea to be imbibing while charging. I can tell you however the effect Drambuie has on judgement from the night of 'spirited' music ( I think Aerosmith) and Drambuie in my den.....I playfully picked up a tulwar to give it a swing........oh oh! forgot the ceiling fan! thunk!!!

I think the number of possible uses of this distinct feature would be numerous, but mostly intended for the handling of the sword in various awkward or pressing circumstances....I doubt any single use would be universal among the men using these swords.

I always find the rather structured use of sword 'cuts' as used in the numbered training exercises being applied in the heat of battle almost humorous. A dragoon at Balaklava was upset at a cossack who when he struck at him with a cut so and so, he responded with a cut so and so, out of sequence thus knocking the dragoon off his horse!
Completely against the rules!!!!