Thumb ring

Jim McDougall · 3rd July 2005, 04:01 PM

It seems that the thumb ring prevailed on many cavalry swords well into the 18th century throughout Europe, especially as mentioned on Northern European weapons. I am wondering if the use on the Polish and Hungarian sabres of the ring came from German influence as there were clearly many settlers from there, especially in Hungary.The sabres seem hybridized by Oriental sabres as well as such features of Europe.
In "Swords and Blades of the American Revolution" (Nuemann) there are many examples of these swords shown, as well as in "Cut and Thrust Weapons" by Wagner, as good representative sources.
As I claim no expertise whatsoever in martial swordsmanship techniques or dynamics, I would presume these rings were in place to stabilize the sword in forceful cutting, but am wondering if such a feature would apply in thrusting with the sabre.
I know that even sabres, intended obviously for cutting and slashing, had instances of 'giving point'.
Best regards,
Jim

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3rd July 2005, 04:01 PM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,292	It seems that the thumb ring prevailed on many cavalry swords well into the 18th century throughout Europe, especially as mentioned on Northern European weapons. I am wondering if the use on the Polish and Hungarian sabres of the ring came from German influence as there were clearly many settlers from there, especially in Hungary.The sabres seem hybridized by Oriental sabres as well as such features of Europe. In "Swords and Blades of the American Revolution" (Nuemann) there are many examples of these swords shown, as well as in "Cut and Thrust Weapons" by Wagner, as good representative sources. As I claim no expertise whatsoever in martial swordsmanship techniques or dynamics, I would presume these rings were in place to stabilize the sword in forceful cutting, but am wondering if such a feature would apply in thrusting with the sabre. I know that even sabres, intended obviously for cutting and slashing, had instances of 'giving point'. Best regards, Jim