sword hangers ?

[blueman]

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hi guys i bought these thnking kreigsmarine but not sure now could they be british ??

[Theodor]

Could be Bulgarian as well. Looks similar. Interesting, several countries had very similar navy belts

[blueman]

what age would they be ?

[Theodor]

The Bulgarian ones were introduced in 1905 and used until the end of the WW2

Edited January 6, 2014 by Theodor

[Mervyn Mitton]

I would say for a Naval mid-shipman - the size of the scabbard indicates a Dirk.

Could be British - however, to me, it doesn't look the right pattern. Theodore may well be right

and it is Bulgarian ? You could sell it to one of the new immigrants .............

Make a few more enquiries - many countries copied British naval styles. Mervyn

[peter monahan]

I agree that its not quite right for British but, as you say, Mervin, lots of copies of that style - which dates back to at least 1800 BTW.

[Theodor]

So, who was the first to use that style of belt and hangers? The Bulgarian ones were influenced from Russia. And not just Russia, the Germans had very similar. Probably some more countries, too? But who was the first?

[peter monahan]

It was being used by both British and French in the Napoleonic period, when I think it originated. The British went from shoulder slings to waist belts for swords in that period - both were still being used in 1810 but by 1830 only waist belts. Don't know whether the British stole it from the French or vice-versa, as my knowledge of French uniforms is sadly lacking, but I'd guess one or the other originated the style. Certainly the arrangement of straps, hook and the lions' heads are virtually indistinguishable at that time.

[Mervyn Mitton]

Really Peter - we never copy anything..............

However, I think the British started the slings - the original mounting was onto the belt. Mervyn

[peter monahan]

As you say, Mervyn. How careless of me to have suggested it.