Notching of sword blades -Austria 18th century

kisak · 1st August 2009, 06:39 PM

Perhaps some sort of marking, measure, or similar, instead of something intended to be of any "mechanical" use? The notch in Jeff's blade at least looks like it'd be a it on the small side for anything involving things thicker than normal sewing thread.

Jeff D · 1st August 2009, 11:02 PM

Hi Jim and Kisak,

The dent on my 1796 would catch a small rope or string but not much more. Here are some scans from Wagner, the illustrated notches aren't much bigger than my dent. The mystery lives on.

All the Best
Jeff

Hotspur · 2nd August 2009, 04:55 AM

Just a guess on my part but I'll look at some other stuff. if we are seeing this on predominately cavalry swords, I would say it is for retreiving one's reins (or possibly fashionable to retreive one's hat without dismounting).

Cheers

Hotspur; pure speculation but thought out a bit

Edit

Or snag an opponent off balance to dismount or harry

Jeff D · 2nd August 2009, 06:22 AM

Hi Glen,

I think you are on the right track. To me the size and location of the notches (not including my sample) suggest a more ceremonial or utilitarian, than martial function. Having spent my entire life with the unpredictability of horses, if this notch has any equestrian function, it can only be for under the most calm and controlled conditions. Yet I have only seen this feature on cavalry blades both straight and sabers.

All the Best
Jeff

Jim McDougall · 4th August 2009, 01:09 AM

Hi Jeff,
Thank you so much for posting those!!!!
In looking closely at these notches, I am really baffled on how these could effectively snag anything. The notch is far too small and shallow, at least in my view, but I can well understand the importance of retrieving ones reins if dropped. In combat though, despite all the chivalry (?) would enemy horsemen patiently wait while one carefully and deftly toiled at reaching reins out of reach? On the parade ground of course, entirely different, and perhaps as much fashion and showmanship was involved with cavalry in these times, there may be some degree of plausibility.
It would make for an interesting test, but again, it would be great to find any mention in contemporary narrative mentioning such use of the sword.

I really appreciate your posting these out of Wagner, and its great having you at it here again, your perspective is always key!

All the best,
Jim

1st August 2009, 11:02 PM	#2
Jeff D Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 473	Hi Jim and Kisak, The dent on my 1796 would catch a small rope or string but not much more. Here are some scans from Wagner, the illustrated notches aren't much bigger than my dent. The mystery lives on. All the Best Jeff Attached Images

1st August 2009, 06:39 PM	#1
kisak Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Stockholm Posts: 182	Perhaps some sort of marking, measure, or similar, instead of something intended to be of any "mechanical" use? The notch in Jeff's blade at least looks like it'd be a it on the small side for anything involving things thicker than normal sewing thread.

2nd August 2009, 04:55 AM	#3
Hotspur Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Nipmuc USA Posts: 508	Just a guess on my part but I'll look at some other stuff. if we are seeing this on predominately cavalry swords, I would say it is for retreiving one's reins (or possibly fashionable to retreive one's hat without dismounting). Cheers Hotspur; pure speculation but thought out a bit Edit Or snag an opponent off balance to dismount or harry

2nd August 2009, 06:22 AM	#4
Jeff D Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 473	Hi Glen, I think you are on the right track. To me the size and location of the notches (not including my sample) suggest a more ceremonial or utilitarian, than martial function. Having spent my entire life with the unpredictability of horses, if this notch has any equestrian function, it can only be for under the most calm and controlled conditions. Yet I have only seen this feature on cavalry blades both straight and sabers. All the Best Jeff

4th August 2009, 01:09 AM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	Hi Jeff, Thank you so much for posting those!!!! In looking closely at these notches, I am really baffled on how these could effectively snag anything. The notch is far too small and shallow, at least in my view, but I can well understand the importance of retrieving ones reins if dropped. In combat though, despite all the chivalry (?) would enemy horsemen patiently wait while one carefully and deftly toiled at reaching reins out of reach? On the parade ground of course, entirely different, and perhaps as much fashion and showmanship was involved with cavalry in these times, there may be some degree of plausibility. It would make for an interesting test, but again, it would be great to find any mention in contemporary narrative mentioning such use of the sword. I really appreciate your posting these out of Wagner, and its great having you at it here again, your perspective is always key! All the best, Jim