Pirate swords and weapons

[David]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

My example acquired about 40 years ago, has a cloth tied to the hilt. I have heard the tales offered to explain its purpose, but as always take these mostly as collectors lore in 'western' parlance having little to do with the actual purpose or perhaps 'meaning'.

I have always assumed these cloths were meant to bind the sword to the wrist of the wielder so that they cannot lose hold of it in the heat of battle.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by David

I have always assumed these cloths were meant to bind the sword to the wrist of the wielder so that they cannot lose hold of it in the heat of battle.

Thank you David, that does make sense and I wondered as well if these wrapped would offer more secure grip if hilt slippery.I guess often with ethnographic forms pragmatic purposes are often overlooked by westerners seeking more esoteric notions. I think Christopher Spring mentioned that in "African Arms and Armor" noting attempts at trying to explain the wild shapes of blades on throwing knives.