Attaching Saber Knots to sabers/swords

[M E Wolf]

Dear List Members,

Unable to find on the Internet, how to affix a saber knot to a sword; such as an illustration on how the saber knot is supposed to be fixed; grainy photos of saber knots in old Civil War photographs; I am of the hope you good folks may have a link to a step by step process of attaching a saber knot to the sword/saber.

For giggles and grins, if you like--use a 1850 Field Officer's Saber as an example.

Now, I'm depending on all you wonderful re-enactors/living historians; to give me the links, help, personal advice, etc., so I can pass it on to one heck of a frustrated person bestowed with a birthday present and the saber knot loose and not affixed.



The other 'stuck' area; is 'reverse sabers.' No pictures of what it looks like can be found--yet. Seen pictures of reversed rifles/muskets however, no reversed sabers.

Also, there is a lack of illustrations on 'rest on arms' (usually for funerals).



I would appreciate any guidence in this area.

Thank you in advance everybody!

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf

[johan_steele]

There was an issue of Civil War Historian last year I believe that detailed some of what you're looking for. As for the rest of your question I believe the proper attachment point would be the guard... you know instead of guesing I'm going to suggest sliding over to CW reenactors.com. Do a quick google for the site and I think you'll probablt get a more complete answer. I portray an NCO... I listen to God, not officers

[M E Wolf]

Dear Johan_Steele/Shane;

How splended of you to respond! Thank you so very, very much sir for all your suggestions.

I did notice on these photographs that the saber knot is on the guard; saw it on several sabers/swords in both DVD movies - Gods & Generals and Gettysburg but, never close enough to see how those rascals were braided on.

There is a hole on top of the guard for it to be threaded through once. It is the rest that is frustrating the saber's owner. LOL

And, as far as being a Non-Commissioned Officer; you are most likely one of the best. All military organizations put too much focus on the higher ranks--but, in my opinion - the NCO, is the one who really can determine the battle by their leadership and the NCO works the hardest of bringing his men/women home alive.

Just some thoughts.

Respectfully,
M. E. Wolf

[Mark Wadsworth]

Officers had swords
Enlisted had Sabers

I had a knot on my sword then I quickly learned that it was useless and in the way so I took it off.

[ole]

Mark:

If you remember how you took it off, maybe you could reverse the process and inform M.E.?

Just a thought.

ole

[Mark Wadsworth]

Down near the pommel take the open end of the knot and slip it around the guard and put the end of the knot through the loop and pull thight.

[johan_steele]

LOL, if it ain't nailed down grab it if you can pry it loose it ain't nailed down. Thanks for the compliment. I was an NCO for real once, I portray one now too. The best compliments I receive are from fellow veterans. That's the praise that tells me I'm doing something right.

[M E Wolf]

Dear Mr. Wadsworth;

Thank you kindly sir. I saw Brig. General McDowell's saber knot affixed the same way.

That said, I have seen some saber knots that seemed to have been woven. I had thought that was extremely beautiful. I had to try finding out how they did it. [Smiles]

In summary--it still functions as it ought to.

Thank you everybody!

Repectfully submitted,
M. E. Wolf

[M E Wolf]

Dear List Members;

In speaking to the owner of a uniform and equipment supplier; web site:

www.ushist.com/wardrobe/us_cw.htm

I did get answers about saber knots which came from a 'left field' per se.

It seems when swords were ordered, circa 1800's-1900's; if the buyer commissioning a sword/saber to be made; he would then request a saber knot to be added.
Well, it is upon making the sword when the saber knot would be added; not as an after thought. The saber knot would be braided on the handle before it's attachment to the rest of the assembly of the sword. So, when the handle was still being forged; shaped --then molded into the grip; was when the saber knot was added.

Because of transfers; the saber knot as an after thought was supplied; as to act in lieu of the saber knots added at the time of manufacturer and or a replacement for the manufactured saber knot that became unusable.

Thought it was rather interesting.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf