Swedish m/1791 hussar sabre

[shayde78]

The discussion of the notches near the tip of these blades intrigues me. Might I offer an entirely mundane possible purpose.

If you were to drop your gloves or your hat while in the saddle, having a long pointed stick with a barb at the end would make retrieving said item much easier. Absent a pointed stick, a sword with a notch at the end of the blade would do the trick. No need to dismount - simply reach down with your blade, use the hook to snag the item, and be on your merry way.

[Victrix]

Originally Posted by shayde78

The discussion of the notches near the tip of these blades intrigues me. Might I offer an entirely mundane possible purpose.

If you were to drop your gloves or your hat while in the saddle, having a long pointed stick with a barb at the end would make retrieving said item much easier. Absent a pointed stick, a sword with a notch at the end of the blade would do the trick. No need to dismount - simply reach down with your blade, use the hook to snag the item, and be on your merry way.

Thank you, Shayde. That probably completes the circle on the subject once again.

[shayde78]

Originally Posted by Victrix

Thank you, Shayde. That probably completes the circle on the subject once again.

Ah....my mistake. I had missed that this theory has already been mentioned. That's what I get for thinking I'm clever (lol)!

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by shayde78

Ah....my mistake. I had missed that this theory has already been mentioned. That's what I get for thinking I'm clever (lol)!

Im glad you caught that Shayde! (posts #7,10). Trust me, this conundrum has plagued me since the mid 90s, and honestly as I pestered sources in museums, authors, fencing masters and everyplace I could think of to look. ...I could sense the 'what? who cares syndrome'.

Truthfully, other than Wagner, who made his clearly pragmatic suggestion, nobody else I ever spoke with ever gave it a thought, and seemed surprised that I was intrigued by such a insignificant feature....until e recent earlier discussion mentioned by Glen, and Victrix bringing this outstanding example in.

Your astute observation was well placed and made independently of other comments, so indeed, in a word, clever

Its exactly that which makes our forums great, guys who care to step in and say something!! Keep em comin' Shayde!