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M. Eversberg II
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 Posted: Wed 07 Oct, 2009 1:35 am Post subject: Question about saber scabbards |
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I noticed some scabbards for sabres have a strange "spatula" like attachment at the tip, where a chape should be.
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.
This space for rent or lease.
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Paul Hansen
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| Posted: Wed 07 Oct, 2009 11:20 am Post subject: |
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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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| Posted: Wed 07 Oct, 2009 11:49 am Post subject: |
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I believe that bit is named the "drag" , perhaps that implies something 
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
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| Posted: Wed 07 Oct, 2009 11:53 am Post subject: |
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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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| Posted: Wed 07 Oct, 2009 1:41 pm Post subject: |
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| 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
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| Posted: Wed 07 Oct, 2009 7:17 pm Post subject: |
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| 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! |
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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| Posted: Thu 08 Oct, 2009 2:37 am Post subject: |
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| 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! |
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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| Posted: Tue 27 Oct, 2009 9:41 am Post subject: |
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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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This is a standard topic