This is mostly for Mac and Eljay, but also for anyone else out there who can answer this query intelligently:

I have read in various tomes that the English Baskethilts with the large oval constructed within the framework of the basket were designed for threading the reins through, allowing the trooper to hold the sword in his bridle hand AND use the reins, while manipulating pistols or whatever with his right hand. It always made a certain amount of sense to me, but I've had otherwise knowledgeable fellows claim that this is total collector fantasy.

Any good information on this? The only manuals I've seen from the period are for Light Dragoons, and don't discuss this sort of thing at all, so I would be gratified to have some solid information on this subject. It would seem as though my knowledge of early 18th Century Horse is horribly deficient!

Photo below stolen gratuitously from Mac's thread on the Las Vegas show...

Thanks!

Gordon

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Hi Gordon,

Here is an old thread discussing this subject.

http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?p...ight=#5657

Thanks Stephen! Ask and yea shall receive, eh?

Gee, I should have thought to do a search...

Thanks again!

Gordon