Leather Finger Loops on Sabres -- myArmoury.com

Nathan M Wuorio · Posted: Sun 05 Oct, 2008 10:55 pm Post subject: Leather Finger Loops on Sabres

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.

Gabriele Becattini · Posted: Mon 06 Oct, 2008 5:04 am Post subject:

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

Jonathan Hopkins · Posted: Mon 06 Oct, 2008 6:47 am Post subject:

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

Konstantin Tsvetkov · Posted: Mon 06 Oct, 2008 10:23 am Post subject:

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

Nathan M Wuorio · Posted: Mon 06 Oct, 2008 3:58 pm Post subject:

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!

Mikko Kuusirati · Posted: Mon 06 Oct, 2008 6:26 pm Post subject:

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.

Gabriele Becattini · Posted: Tue 07 Oct, 2008 12:46 am Post subject:

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

Shahril Dzulkifli · Posted: Wed 08 Oct, 2008 9:00 am Post subject: Leather Finger Loops on Sabres

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