Victorian Sabretache
Age: C. 1870
Maker: N/A
Materials: Leather, Brass, Thread
Marks: Royal British Artillery
Construction: Sewn Leather, Gold and Silver Bullion
Description: This sabretache contains the embroidered Seal of Great Britain and Ireland, with the words "Quo Fas Et Gloria Ducunt" (Where Right and Glory Lead) beneath it. The embroidery is done in stumpwork, the Seal of Great Britain coming off the work with shimmering gold and silver bullion. The piece is backed with black leather and lined with a gold border.
Provenance: Putnam County Estate
Size: 12.5x10.0"
Weight: 1lbs 7.4oz
Condition: No loose threads affect the main design, but the leather backing shows some signs of wear with cracking and discoloration.
History: In the early 18th century, hussar cavalry became popular amongst the European powers, and a tarsoly was often a part of the accoutrements. The German name sabretache was adopted, tache meaning "pocket". It fulfilled the function of a pocket, which were absent from the tight fitting uniform of the hussar style. Part of the wartime function of the light cavalry was to deliver orders and dispatches; the sabertache was well suited to hold these. The large front flap was usually heavily embroidered with a royal cypher or regimental crest, and could be used as a firm surface for writing. By the 19th century, other types of cavalry, such as lancers, also wore them.In the British Army, sabretaches were first adopted at the end of the 18th century by light dragoon regiments, four of which acquired "hussar" status in 1805. They were still being worn in combat by British cavalry during the Crimean War; "undress" versions in plain black patent leather were used on active duty. The Prussian Guard Hussars wore theirs in the Franco-Prussian War. In most European armies, sabretaches were gradually abandoned for use in the field before the turn of the 20th century, but were retained by some regiments for ceremonial occasions.