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M. Eversberg II




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PostPosted: Wed 07 Oct, 2009 12:35 am    Post subject: Question about saber scabbards         Quote

I noticed some scabbards for sabres have a strange "spatula" like attachment at the tip, where a chape should be.

[ Linked Image ]

Is it for anything? I figured it had something to do with how the scabbard is formed, but right now I figure it's just decoration.

M.

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Paul Hansen




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PostPosted: Wed 07 Oct, 2009 10:20 am    Post subject:         Quote

Just a guess, but I think it's to reinforce the scabbard's tip.

Keep in mind that the scabbard is just a thin sheet metal tube, and the tip of the scabbard does occassionally bump into things.
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J.T. Aliaga




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PostPosted: Wed 07 Oct, 2009 10:49 am    Post subject:         Quote

I believe that bit is named the "drag" , perhaps that implies something :D

Joking aside, I think it's designed to reinforce the chape. Despite the decorative aspect (besides the spatula, i've seen many ball shaped draga), it seems to be a mostly functional addition to the scabbard
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Jonathan Hopkins




PostPosted: Wed 07 Oct, 2009 10:53 am    Post subject:         Quote

As far as I know it serves a protective and decorative function. It is called a chape, shoe, or drag (as it does drag on the ground quite fashionably :) ). Some flashy scabbards even have little wheels on the drag!
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Timo Nieminen




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PostPosted: Wed 07 Oct, 2009 12:41 pm    Post subject:         Quote

Jonathan Hopkins wrote:
As far as I know it serves a protective and decorative function. It is called a chape, shoe, or drag (as it does drag on the ground quite fashionably :) ). Some flashy scabbards even have little wheels on the drag!


That would be worth a picture!
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Jonathan Hopkins




PostPosted: Wed 07 Oct, 2009 6:17 pm    Post subject:         Quote

Timo Nieminen wrote:
Jonathan Hopkins wrote:
As far as I know it serves a protective and decorative function. It is called a chape, shoe, or drag (as it does drag on the ground quite fashionably :) ). Some flashy scabbards even have little wheels on the drag!


That would be worth a picture!


:D

http://www.michaeldlong.com/kolistB/1/0/111685.htm

A nice--but sadly shortened--HEIC officer's sword with wheeled drag. I would guess this is c. 1845-55.
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Timo Nieminen




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PostPosted: Thu 08 Oct, 2009 1:37 am    Post subject:         Quote

Jonathan Hopkins wrote:
Timo Nieminen wrote:
Jonathan Hopkins wrote:
As far as I know it serves a protective and decorative function. It is called a chape, shoe, or drag (as it does drag on the ground quite fashionably :) ). Some flashy scabbards even have little wheels on the drag!


That would be worth a picture!


:D

http://www.michaeldlong.com/kolistB/1/0/111685.htm

A nice--but sadly shortened--HEIC officer's sword with wheeled drag. I would guess this is c. 1845-55.


Very cute!

But can this really be called a drag? Surely roll or similar would be more accurate.

Still, it could be useful - for drag racing if nothing else.
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Lafayette C Curtis




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PostPosted: Tue 27 Oct, 2009 8:41 am    Post subject:         Quote

Aren't those caps supposed to jangle against the cavalryman's spur when the sword is slung in the lower position (the one used for riding as opposed to dismounted locomotion)?
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