Metal rings on grips -- myArmoury.com

Eric G. · Posted: Wed 04 May, 2011 4:59 pm Post subject: Metal rings on grips

I wish I were just a little more savvy with my knowledge of historical weapons or I wouldn't have to ask this...

How historical are those metal rings that you see mid-grip on some swords? The look cool, but is there any artwork or replicas that depict these? I am specifically looking at this in context of XVIII's, though references to other blades are welcome too.

Just in case I lack clarity, you can see an example of such a "grip ring" on these two swords.

http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t...ght=xviiia

http://www.christianfletcher.com/Christian_Fl...watch.html

Quinn W. · Posted: Wed 04 May, 2011 8:05 pm Post subject:

As far as I'm aware, it's just a way of guiding each hand to it's proper place on two handed swords. Kind of like the little bumps on the "F" and "J" keys on a keyboard. It gives a frame of reference for proper grip by feel so the user doesn't have to look down and check.

Stephen Curtin · Posted: Wed 04 May, 2011 11:23 pm Post subject:

Hi Eric, I'm not exactly sure how common this feature was but it was used historically. For example, check out the German branch sword made by A & A which is based on an original medieval riding sword http://www.arms-n-armor.com/sword078.html hope this helps.