The glamour of a nineteenth-century cavalry officer's uniform contrasts with the reality of modern warfare.

This sabretasche of the Bombay Horse Artillery is basically a leather satchel faced with an elaborate panel of gold embroidery worn suspended from the sword belt.

Cavalry regiments always regarded themselves as superior to the infantry and their uniforms were normally more elaborate, with extra fittings, and early in the nineteenth century sabretasches were added.

These large pouches were intended to hold maps and documents, but later they were used for any personal items.  They could also serve as a writing surface.  Suspended from the sword belt by three long straps, they had a flap covering a series of deep pockets.  The flap was embroidered with the royal cypher and crown, and in Victorian times the practice of adding battle honours was common.  Regimental designations were also embroidered on, this example is from the Bombay Horse Artillery, so the dress sabretasche became very ornate indeed.  For undress purposes a plainer model of patent leather with metal badges was used.

Sabretasches were finally abolished in 1901.

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