Sabre washers

Jim McDougall · 9th January 2022, 10:59 PM

Interesting topic!
I dont think there is a rule of thumb, and I think application of these fixtures sort of depends on period, makers assembly processes etc.
It seems with the 1845 (British) patterns (many M1821 still produced about then) there was a steel washer indeed for tightening hilt assembly....but over that was a leather or other material one which indeed served as a moisture guard.

In medieval times there was a rain guard at the crossguard which covered the mouth of the scabbard to prevent rain and moisture from entering.

I think for purposes of restoration, which I presume is the goal here, it would be necessary to determine this from other examples of the sword being considered. Its sounds as if there was a degree of latitude rather than any rule of thumb for all.

kronckew · 10th January 2022, 05:37 PM

I've made a few for my washer-less swords that slip over the blade by tracing the scabbard mouth on an appropriate scrap of leather glued to a piece of red felt. I then cut the outline with a sharp scissors, and using a hole punch overlapping the holes to cut out the slot for the blade. For those with the washer Under the tang shoulder, only disassembly will let you replace it properly. I do not do that. If it's loose, it stays loose…

This is (or was) a sword outfitter in London that did sword, grip, & scabbard repairs and also sold washers, can't find them online any more tho.

9th January 2022, 10:59 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,189	Interesting topic! I dont think there is a rule of thumb, and I think application of these fixtures sort of depends on period, makers assembly processes etc. It seems with the 1845 (British) patterns (many M1821 still produced about then) there was a steel washer indeed for tightening hilt assembly....but over that was a leather or other material one which indeed served as a moisture guard. In medieval times there was a rain guard at the crossguard which covered the mouth of the scabbard to prevent rain and moisture from entering. I think for purposes of restoration, which I presume is the goal here, it would be necessary to determine this from other examples of the sword being considered. Its sounds as if there was a degree of latitude rather than any rule of thumb for all.

10th January 2022, 05:37 PM	#2
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,215	I've made a few for my washer-less swords that slip over the blade by tracing the scabbard mouth on an appropriate scrap of leather glued to a piece of red felt. I then cut the outline with a sharp scissors, and using a hole punch overlapping the holes to cut out the slot for the blade. For those with the washer Under the tang shoulder, only disassembly will let you replace it properly. I do not do that. If it's loose, it stays loose… This is (or was) a sword outfitter in London that did sword, grip, & scabbard repairs and also sold washers, can't find them online any more tho.