Suspension of sword & scabbard

[Jeffrey Hull]

Hello!

Have any of you fellows taken a plain scabbard or sheath for sword, and made modification to it so that it might be "suspension-ready" for belt or baldric? Perhaps specifically in a La Tene or Voelkerwanderung design - i.e. with a "handle" attatched to and in-line with the scabbard, wherethrough a bit & chain assembly passes. Hence - in other words - any ideas to customising something to this effect?

Thanks for ideas. JH

[Guest]

When I firsted joined HACA, now ARMA, I often wondered why scabbards and belts where not worn during training? I know they get in the way and recently I was reading about Henry V campaign in 1415 and the famous battle at Agincourt. It stated that Henry V actually made his men remove thier scabbards before battle because it did get in the way of fighting and the scabbard was not needed. Just thought I would pass that along. Even learning about the wearing of Coat of Arms was neat discovering. Reading as much as I can. Cheers

Todd

[Jeffrey Hull]

Yes, that specific historical example (from a scabbard for a seax, perhaps?) is just the sort of thing I was describing. Thanks for posting those pictures! JH

[Jeffrey Hull]

I looked again more carefully, and realised (1) that it must be a sword, not a seax, and (2) that a seax was most likely usually suspended horizontally anyway. My mistake! Thanks again for posting that link, SF.

I also seem to recall that either Gothic or Frankish examples of this sort of suspension are shown by the venerable Oakeshott in his "Archaeology of Weapons". Good luck! JH

[Jeffrey Hull]

As far as concocting something, admittedly less than period-authentic, to modify an existing scabbard - short of having the means for bronze-casting and/or iron-forging and therefor being able to make something from scratch - I hit upon the idea of geting a "drawer-pull" (aka drawer-handle) of brass or bronze from a hardware store, fitted with hidden chicago-screws to leather or metal strapping, and snugged & fastened to the scabbard. I might try this if I can work out the bugs & get the time to do it. Good luck! JH

[Guest]

Ive heard especially for use with full harness the use of just a plain ring on the belt and the sword stuck through the ring. When you withdraw the sword all you have is a small ring dangling from the belt and not a flappy leather sheath. This would only really be practical in a battlefield setting where you are not as worried about cutting yourself or someone else accidently because of protective clothing. Admittedly the sword is not protected from the elements at all but during a battle who cares?