History of ring guards?????

[DanGraves]

Does anyone know the history, when it first showed up, and any facts on them? I was asked this and dont have a clue. I believe Michael Price made one which would be during the Gold Rush but thats all I know as far as an old one..

 

[Wild Rose]

Dan - ring guards go much farther back than the San Fran Bowies. At least back to the Middle Ages (at least on swords) and it seem that even some Viking era swords used them...Might check with some of the boyz on what used to be Don Dogg's forum re: the early period.....

 

[DanGraves]

Thanks Wild Rose. Will see what I can find out.

 

[Kevin Jones]

I seem to remember seeing some photos of ring guard bowies in my antique Bowie books around the time when Kyle and I were planning the one he made for me. That's actually what inspired to come up with the idea.

I also believe there was an article or website that spoke of gunslingers of the old west carrying them and there was an old photo of Ike Clanton spinning his ring guard bowie with one hand and his Colt with the other. (show-off)

I will try to find some time to go hunting and scan some photos if I'm successful.

 

[Kevin Jones]

Here's a couple photos of an early Lasserre Ring Bowie:

 

[Lorien]

great photo Kevin- thanks for the exposure to that awesome blade!

 

[DanGraves]

Kevin, great examples and thanks for including the dates and makers! Most of the ones I have seen that were antiques were from around the mid 1800's. Would love to see some earlier ones like the Vikings era. Anyone see Pawn stars when he was offered a ring gun that I believe was made in France.