UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons Edged Weapons Accoutrements Forum Sword Knot Size Differences

I recently purchased 2 excellent condition army sword knots. These knots are smaller in size, both length of the cord, width of the cord, as well as total size of the acorn compared to other army army saber knots I have. Were different sizes made to fit smaller swords or are these just simple manufacturing differences seen from maker to maker during the period?

Thanks in advance for the explanation.

2

Tom,

These knots were offered in two different sizes just as you show. The Grosser size Portepee typically had three strands of wire in the strap while the Kleiner size typically had only two. Often officers chose the smaller size for small dove hilt swords or bayonets and the large size for the larger lion heads, etc. It was up to the preference of the officer.

I hope this helps.

George

Cool topic. I have several knots with a cloth strapping instead of leather.
Was this another option? How about the black "plastic" knots?
Got one on a real early Pack Lionhead.Black plastic strap and three rows of alum. thread. It`s the Kleiner size.
Nice score on the knots!

Fab,

I have seen the cloth and the plastic straps on knots too. Usually, you will find the cloth straps on Polizei Portepee (both Grosse and Kleiner sizes) as well as others. The black plastic straps are harder to find on Portepee or Faustriemen but they were made during the period. They make for interesting variations.

George

Hey Fab,
Here is an example of an Army knot with the cloth, as opposed to leather, strap.

Baron, that`s one of the kind I was mentioning.
Tough to find! Here`s a pic of the "plastic" knot on that Pack.
Baron,is that a Voos I see under the top sword?

Another. I like this kind of knot,ties real easy.

Does the red "dot" indicate Artillery?
Black leather,three rows of alum thread,kleiner size.

Fab,

You are describing the Feuerwehr Offizier Portepee if it has a bright carmine insert in the bottom of the Quaste. The Kranz and Quaste should be plain aluminum (or silver wire bullion) without stripes and the insert should be karmesin. A hard Portepee to find.

Fab, good eyes. It's a Voos flat knuckle bow.

Fab,

I think this is a picture of what you're describing, I've found them in both kleiner and größer sizes. I was always under the impression that the kleiner size was for the bayonet and the großer was for the säbel but I think George has something with saying it was up to the individual officer since I've found größer knots like these affixed to bayonets. As you can see the color of the dot can sometimes vary. I presume this is due to a manufacturer's variation.