05-09-2006, 02:08 PM
I wouldn't discount fashion as an explanation.
Having the sword on the left side was originally the privilege of officers, and military fashions tend to migrate from the top downwards. Cf the almost universal adoption today of berets, which used to be worn only by "elite" units.
Maybe over time the left-right discrimination between officers and men simply faded away?
Having the sword on the left side was originally the privilege of officers, and military fashions tend to migrate from the top downwards. Cf the almost universal adoption today of berets, which used to be worn only by "elite" units.
Maybe over time the left-right discrimination between officers and men simply faded away?
Regards, Nicholas.
