Scottish Regiment Prints...anybody ever seen these?

**creagdhubh** · 11th May 12, 08:26 AM

Originally Posted by longhuntr74

In the KOSB picture, he's actually carrying the sword in his hand, I believe. But to answer your question (based on my knowledge of US custom...not sure about the Scottish regiments), the saber is worn "backwards" with the handguard facing the body and the tip facing forward. When drawn in the manual of arms, the scabbard is grasped in the left hand and the grip is rotated forward, moving the tip rearward (the saber oriented as a downward crescent) The right hand grasps the grip and draws it from the scabbard to the front....it seems weird...but that's how it's done in the U.S. Army anyhow. Guessing the other U.S. services and perhaps the Brits/Scots are similar.

It's done in the samer manner in the U.S. Marine Corps, and we tend to carry swords a lot! NCO's, SNCO's and officers. The NCO/SNCO sword and the officer's Mamaluke sword, both have rich traditions and history within the Corps.

**Glen** · 11th May 12, 08:56 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

One question. In the example of the King's Own Scottish Borderers, he's wearing his sword with the hilt to the rear. Is this common for dress occasions or parades or something? That seems totally backwards to me.

Sword scabbard is attached to the sling normally and faces forward when allowed to hang. It is carried in the hand "backwards" when marching (or walking).

The two officers carrying the colours have their swords in the scabbards, holding them 'backwards'.

The officer in command, behind the colour guards, has his sword drawn at the carry, and holds the scabbard 'backwards'.

**Nervous Jock** · 17th May 12, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by longhuntr74

In the KOSB picture, he's actually carrying the sword in his hand, I believe. But to answer your question (based on my knowledge of US custom...not sure about the Scottish regiments), the saber is worn "backwards" with the handguard facing the body and the tip facing forward. When drawn in the manual of arms, the scabbard is grasped in the left hand and the grip is rotated forward, moving the tip rearward (the saber oriented as a downward crescent) The right hand grasps the grip and draws it from the scabbard to the front....it seems weird...but that's how it's done in the U.S. Army anyhow. Guessing the other U.S. services and perhaps the Brits/Scots are similar.

It depends on the sling, I believe the KOSB Officer is mounted so can't use a Sam Browne. If you look at the Seaforth you can see his sword is off the Sam Browne and in an attachment on the Saddle, you can see his frog on still attached on his belt.

On the pics only the Seaforth & BW Officers are Highland Units and aren't wearing Kilts as they are on horseback.