sabretache
{{for|the journal|Sabretache (journal)}}
File:Hussar.jpg in 1807. His sabretache is suspended below his sabre and behind his left leg. It is emblazoned with the White Eagle of Poland]]
A sabretache (derived from {{langx|de|Säbeltasche}}) is a flat bag or pouch, which was worn suspended from the belt of a cavalry soldier together with the sabre.
Origins
The sabretache is derived from a traditional Hungarian horseman's flat leather bag called a tarsoly.[http://www.tarsolyosok.hu/eng/Index.html Tarsoly Bearer's Homepage] Early examples have been found in the tombs of Magyar warriors from the 10th century Conquest of Pannonia. They were often strengthened and decorated with silver plates and would have contained fire-making tools and other essentials.[https://books.google.com/books?id=I-RTt0Q6AcYC&dq=sabre+tache+conquest+period&pg=PA136 András Róna-Tas, Hungarians and Europe in the early Middle Ages: an Introduction to Early Hungarian History], Central European University Press 1999, {{ISBN|963-9116-48-3}} (P.136)
Military use
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.[http://www.cmhg.gc.ca/cmh/image-469-eng.asp?page_id=534 Canadian Military History Gateway: Royal Staff Corps officer's sabretache, circa 1820] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323113833/http://www.cmhg.gc.ca/cmh/image-469-eng.asp?page_id=534 |date=2014-03-23 }} By the 19th century, other types of cavalry, such as cuirassiers and lancers, also wore them.[http://www.reenactor.ru/ARH/PDF/Nicholson.pdf Sabretaches by Lt. Colonel J. B. R. Nicholson]
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.Prebben Kannik, Military Uniforms in Colour, Blandford Press 1968 {{ISBN|0-7137-0482-9}} (p.200) 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.[https://books.google.com/books?id=bn-hkh-7vBwC&dq=sabre+tache&pg=PA15 J. B. R. Nicholson, The British Army of the Crimea], Osprey Publishing Ltd 1974, {{ISBN|0-85045-194-9}} (p.15) The Prussian Guard Hussars wore theirs in the Franco-Prussian War.[https://books.google.com/books?id=0N1EFluQX54C&dq=prussia+sabretache&pg=PA20 Michael Solka and Darko Pavlović, German Armies 1870-71] (1): Prussia, Osprey Publishing Ltd 2004, {{ISBN|1-84176-754-9}} (p.20) In most European armies, sabretaches were gradually abandoned for field use by the late 19th century, but were retained by some regiments for ceremonial occasions.Nicholson (p.268)
Sabretaches are now much sought after by collectors of militaria.[https://books.google.com/books?id=EB9EAQAAIAAJ&q=sabretache+collectible+militaria James Alexander Mackay, An Encyclopedia of Small Antiques, Ward Lock, 1975 (p.164)]
Gallery
WP Magdeburger Husaren-Kdo.jpg|A Prussian hussar in 1763: his sabretache carries the cypher of Frederick the Great
Grande Armée - 1st Regiment of Hussars.jpg|Troopers of the French 1st Hussars in 1812, showing how the sabretache was attached to the sword belt
Sabretache desvaux.jpg|Sabretache worn by General Desvaux de Saint-Maurice, (died 1815) showing the crown and eagle of Napoleon I
Au service des Tsars - sabretache ЭPT-10742 011.jpg|A sabretache of the Russian Imperial Guard Hussar Regiment of the pattern worn from 1802 to 1825
11thblprobyn1867.jpg|The Commandant of the 11th Regiment of Bengal Cavalry (Lancers), part of the British Indian Army, with sabretache in 1867
Charles Dalton.jpg|An officer of the British 8th King's Royal Irish Hussars in 1880, showing the patent leather sabretache which was used on active duty
Lieutenant H.J.P. King outside the Officers Mess (5907716941).jpg|An officer of the British Royal Artillery with sabretache in 1901
Sabretache enlisted Margrethe II (THM-29814).jpg|A Danish Guard Hussar Regiment Mounted Squadron sabretache for an enlisted trooper, carrying the cypher of the former monarch, Margrethe II.
Sabretache officer Frederick IX (THM-29823).jpg|A Danish Guard Hussar sabretache for officers, carrying the cypher of Frederik IX.