Hi all,
I was recently browsing through Ebay's antique sword listings and I came across two different sabres, one a swiss 1869 cavalry sabre, and the other a Japanese WWII military sabre. Each of them had something I'd never seen before: a leather finger loop inside the guard. I'm guessing it was for better handling rather then protection. Was this common among sabres? When was the finger loop first used? I have seen many antique sabres and own a few and I don't recall ever seeing this before.

Some pics below. Hopefully they show.

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The Japanese sabre.

Hi Nathan,

i'm a student of classical sabre fencing ( late XIXth century italian school) and add a leather loop inside the guard,
like the one in your pictures, is quite common in my fencing accademy. I cant't tell you if the practice was
common in the past but the handling is much improved if you put the first two fingers inside the loop.

Gabriel

I cannot comment on the handling, but the leather loop appears in the mid-19th century on German military swords. I’ll see if I can dig up any more photos for you.

A word of caution on the sword you have pictured; it appears to be a modern Chinese replica/fake.

All the best,
Jonathan

Here is one: German (Prussian) 1914 curassier sword.

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Thanks for your input! It just seemed odd because I have never seen something like it before. Also, I wasn't planning on purchasing this item, just curious. I'll have to look closer at the other swords that I may find in the future, to make sure they're not fakes. That German Curassier Sabre looks really nice, I wish I had it. I would love to see those photos Jonathan, if it's not too much trouble.
Any other information would be greatly valued!

FWIW, here is an antique Japanese saber of the same type, also with the leather loop.

Personally, I see these loops as a cheaper re-invention of the thumb and finger rings you see on earlier swords with more complex hilts. I can tell you, those really do improve one's grip substantially.

That's right, basically the leather loop has the same function of a thunb ring,
and as a thumb ring it provide for a secure and less tiring grip when you perform
sabre "mulinelli" motions. if you have ever handled a sabre you can notice the difference.

gabriele

Here is a Swiss Cavalry Officer's Sword, 1899 Pattern.
Note the leather finger loop within the guard.

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