Were sword "Squivers" real?

I came across a manuscript picture of a sword scabbard and quiver built together and assumed it was fanciful, but thanks to the folk at www.MyArmoury.com who shared their pictures, I realised it was a very real, if rare object. Interesting, but what is it about?
The quiver is small and holds 3-5 bolts, so it cannot be a 'primary' piece of equipment so what was it for? This film explains my theory.
The sword and 'quiver' combination will be for sale on todsworkshop.com
I also extoll the virtues of a fantastic chat room site called www.MyArmoury.com and if you don't know it and you are genuinely interested in this content and not just a tourist, go and visit - you will not be disappointed. So much of my knowledge and so many of my videos have come about because of my time spent there. It has been going since 2003 and has always been a tightly moderated site, so discussion is always polite and informed and the quality of input into the discussion is second to none. I cannot pretend the site is as busy and vibrant as it once was, but as a priceless archive it is an absolute treasure trove and should be a World Heritage Site. Since I conceived this film it has actually made its fundraising target for the year, but just bank your Dollar/Euro/Pound for next year.
MyArmoury is free to join and search (once you are signed up), but is privately run and supported by donations so if you want to see it last please visit, but also please donate here myarmoury.com/talk/lwdonate.php
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Production replica weapons are available here todcutler.com​​
And T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.com
Custom pieces are available here todsworkshop.com
The film about crown bolts (extra heavy) and how much energy they carry can be found here • Crown Bolts - Crossbow...

[@tods_workshop]

What I love about this comment section and all you guys out there is that together we all learn. I have to confess I missed the fact that three of the images showed the blade/squiver on the right hip. However the one left hip is military and 2 of the 3 right hip are hunting and 1 is military; so for military it is 50/50. For hunting I see the small quiver/blade combo as being useful - no doubt. It has been suggested that a cross draw for the falchion would be possible, but I think the blade would be too long for this and of the two military images the longer blade is on the left hip and shorter on the right hip. So my thought is that as a military set up with a longer blade, the left hip is the place to carry it and hunting where shorter blades and possible slower draw, but an easier carry; right hip is the way to go.

[@sr71silver]

Just another little point for wearing a sword on your right hip while hunting is the horse. While it's not some big horrible taboo drawing a sword across your body while on the back of a moving horse does pose the risk of cutting the poor animal. So they may have simply switched the sword hip for that reason and then secured the quiver to the scabbard simply because the scabbard was there and it was convenient.

[@matthewpedicelli3846]

some of their scabbard quivers look more round and flexible like the normal quiver, some even appear to have the bottoms flared to perhaps accommodate for the fletching, that might solve the capacity issue.

[@garyevans8083]

Could it be more of a left handed thing? Maybe they were trained to shoot a crossbow right handed? But when you are left handed the sword would have to be on the right hip? Maybe a few then adopted the scabard/quiver on the left hip for fashion reasons? 🤷‍♂️

[@robertsnook7443]

Perhaps the squiver on the right hip is for a long dagger or Langmesser as an additional back up weapon (with an arming sword etc on the left hip)

[@PatrickKniesler]

Tod, please search QRF/battle/war belt on KZbin and make one up with this. I think that would be really fun and showcase a lot of your items, knowledge, and creativity. What's the medkit? What's the signaling device?

[@_MrPixel_]

Medieval fantasy weapons starter pack: -The Shadbbard (Shad's Back Scabbard) - Jorge's Instanst legolass - The Squiver

[@arozin6773]

That would be overpowered

[@ssholum]

But wait, do you make the Shadbbard a Squiver as well?

[@j.f.fisher5318]

@@ssholum javelins. ;)

[@rezaiskandar2759]

Shadquibard 👍

[@Ye-Hu]

You forgot the Skalchion kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXu9fZtuaZlqa80 Oh, and this kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2qXomSbfdyfnJI

[@ryanschmidt3319]

Used scabbard salesman "It even comes with a built in quiver"

[@shinobi-no-bueno]

This bad boy (pats roof) can fit some many bolts

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

@@shinobi-no-bueno Roof? Top would work better.

[@phatbassanchor]

Hahaha ;D That reminds me of Fihada the Solitude fletcher in Skyrim when we ask if he has arrows that will slay a dragon he replies, "Why of course. And will you also be needing the bow that shoots rainbows? Or perhaps a quiver that dispenses beer? Look, if you want arrows we have them, but don't insult my intelligence." Hahaha ;D Adventure on friend, Phat

[@Kraakesolv]

Ashtray is full though.

[@paulshort1027]

I wish i could double like this. Historians often neglect vanity as motivation.

[@Lycan3303]

when you reach for a arrow and end up shooting your opponent with a sword

[@gymmaniac]

American long bow?

[@todo9633]

They should be glad it wasn't the pommel.

[@metaphorischfaltenfrei68]

As a soldier might say: There is no such thing as too many quivers.

[@euansmith3699]

I see you quiver with antici... pation!

[@Slash-XVI]

Too much Ammunition is a self correcting problem

[@krissteel4074]

Even from a hunting perspective it makes sense, if you're just out to get 'an animal' you take your knife, a mag of ammo or half a dozen shells and go for a long walk in the country. There's not much point in taking a whole box of 2 doz shells with you, you're not going to use them all, they weigh a lot and just take what you need. After rucking up some big old mountains and back down again with a field dressed beast you'll appreciate every kilo you didn't have to take with you

[@tods_workshop]

I agree wit this ~Kris and I think I said so, but it is really the military context I don't get

[@phatbassanchor]

@@tods_workshop Tod, I liked your idea about keeping a few specialty bolts in that quiver. Then the main quiver to the right could be stocked with something more common, like standard weight bodkin heads in the big bag and a couple of needle bodkins and a few armor piercing rounds in the squiver... I think you were on to something there, mate. Adventure on, Phat

[@matthayward7889]

Even an extra five bolts is an increase of 25%. The ‘specialist bolt’ argument makes sense, but so does being able to shoot that extra bit longer. Also, I’d love to hear more about that falchion!

[@sjmcc13]

My first thought, before Todd got to his theory, was simply a variant of "don't put all your eggs in one basket" or in this case, a 2nd quiver incase something happens to your first, but since you need to carry a backup weapon, you use a smaller one on that hip made to not get in the way of said backup sword.

[@nowthenzen]

wouldn't it be easier to just get a larger main bolt box or stick a few extra through you belt?

[@slc308]

@@nowthenzen not if you're marching. Think about the load on the belt. Those extra few arrows on the scabbard could even out a full load of bolts on the other side. Additionally, who is to say they didn't stuff them full of feather fletched bolts.

[@SonsOfLorgar]

The specialist ammo makes the most sense Imo. It's the same as I have fitted all of my issued, found and privately sourced G3 magazines with magpull rubber loops on the bottom end, but if we were issued smoke rifle grenades, I used one magazine with a mended loop and a right side mag pouch for the grenade launching blank cartridges. The placement of the pouch and the tactile difference of electrical tape vs plain rubber made sure that there was no possibility of an unintentional mixup between live 7.62×51mm ball rounds and 7.62×51mm crimped, magnum load resin sealed rifle grenade launching blanks.

[@SonsOfLorgar]

The specialist ammo makes the most sense Imo. It's the same as I have fitted all of my issued, found and privately sourced G3 magazines with magpull rubber loops on the bottom end, but if we were issued smoke rifle grenades, I used one magazine with a mended loop and a right side mag pouch for the grenade launching blank cartridges. The placement of the pouch and the tactile difference of electrical tape vs plain rubber made sure that there was no possibility of an unintentional mixup between live 7.62×51mm ball rounds and 7.62×51mm crimped, magnum load resin sealed rifle grenade launching blanks day or night regardless of how tired I might be at the time.

[@wilhelmmoller960]

This ide is still used today, as a soldier i usually have magazine loaded with either tracers or IR-tracers that i do not put with the rest of my magasines.

[@chrisjones6002]

I used to do something similar with my AR mags when I worked the street. They all had a ballistic tip bullet for lower penetration except one that was a different color. It had bonded soft points for better penetration against barriers.

[@wilhelmmoller960]

@@chrisjones6002 Sounds like a good Ide, in my work however the ammunition is all the same exept for different kinds of tracers, can't commit war crimes and all that.

[@CognosSquare]

Ah that is why the arrows were head upwards. So you could find that "special" one for the occasion.

[@Dirtbag-Hyena]

See, my thoughts were, they're for "Special Forces". Saved for the best of the best, who wouldn't need more and could hit 9 outa 10x or 10 outa 10x. That's why there's very little evidence of them.

[@edward9674]

Were there any special forces during that period?

[@theghosthero6173]

Well at the time all crossbow quivers had head tips up in Europe.

[@edward9674]

@I just shit my pants but Mountaineers maybe? Go grab some mountain living people and go train em in military stuff and let em figure it out i guess?

[@richardschuerger3214]

Also, not pulling them out against the fletchings.

[@DesmondDentresti]

Clearly the idea was "This is close quarters, so if we get charged, I am only going to get a few shots off so why carry more?" to which this is an apt ammunition capacity. The one thing that seems utterly overlooked is the handedness portrayed in these images several of these people are either wearing their blade on their right hip (indicating left handed swordsmanship) or with their left hand being the lower 'trigger' hand for their crossbow (indicating left eyed shooting). In both of these instances of cross-dominance the stacked position of their quiver and sword would be fairly comfortable for the individual.

[@Sibula]

It could be that, it it could be the artist wanted to paint them going in a specific direction (usually right) and just mirrored everything.

[@DesmondDentresti]

​@@Sibula I think the consistency of the mirror would be a factor here though. Look here 1:22 - the hilt of this person's blade is facing the audience and leaning to the right with the beak of the pommel set downwards for a left handed draw. Every other blade hilt we see in this piece is on the left hip of the owner. Clearly not a mirrored image. Although you could be right, it could be that the artist just liked the novelty and took some artistic license, put all the tools facing the audience just so they could show them off. That is entirely possible.

[@DesmondDentresti]

​@Michael Smith Perhaps I am mistaken but I was under the impression daggers were kept on the right hip because the short blade made them easy to draw but any blade of equal length to your arm would be *awkward to draw from the same hand as the hip it was sheathed on. *not impossible, but awkward.

[@coolsenjoyer]

@Michael Smith isn't it only like relatively short swords that are worn on the same hip as your dominant hand? that being said, that would definitely make sense for crossbowmen since they probably wont be needing as long sword as a mounted man at arms

[@philw8049]

Why not, makes perfect sense. It’s a reasonable bit of multi-functional kit, especially if the quiver part is removable. A few extra bolts at the right place and time could make a big difference.

[@mikurusagawa6897]

Agreed, plus if this is your hunting set for example, you are not going to need a lot of bolts, even if you're out for some time

[@Omniseed]

@@mikurusagawa6897 which would be a really cool piece of worldbuiding for an RPG

[@SonsOfLorgar]

@@mikurusagawa6897 or you want a few different bolt heads for different types of game opportunities that might arise.

[@jacobc722]

Also if your just walking around you could put some bread in it

[@llengsuch3426]

Ah yes, makes perfect sense! It's where you keep your *special* bolts. Silver for killing vampires and werewolves. Gold for killing kings and bishops.

[@kayleelockheart8208]

Also where you keep that magic bolt that turns into a lightning bolt CL10 when fired.

[@Blackpheonix99]

Poison?

[@ziggarillo]

Apart from the armoured soldier they were wearing this on the right hand side. Drawing a short sword from your right is not much of a compromise if it's a hunting sword and obviously makes the quiver more practical.

[@shimmermcpe1712]

Yeah & if you're carrying a primary on your left with a few 'first strike' bolts on your secondary, ditch the big heavy slow crossbow when they want to cuddle

[@squelchstuff]

I'm glad I scrolled down to find this. I was about to suggest the same, or that the people that wore them were southpaws (though left handedness was seen as wrong/evil by the church I believe) Drawing a sword with the left in favour of using the distance weapon right handed does seem to be very plausible.

[@sam1812seal]

@@squelchstuff the church viewed left handedness as very bad, even sinister. Sinister being the Latin for left, while dexter is for right from which we get dextrous.

[@AThousandYoung]

Gladii were drawn from the right.

[@sam1812seal]

@@AThousandYoung thank you for adding that. I didn’t know that fact and it’s great to learn something in the comments rather than the more ‘normal’ abuse. 👍

[@BarokaiRein]

I'm adding this immediately to my pathfinder setting. Like why not,seems great!

[@j.f.fisher5318]

I was thinking it would work nicely for (feather fletched) plumbata or the like to provide a readily accessible missile weapon for folks who don't use a crossbow.

[@SirMrProfessor]

This bad boy can fit so much spaghetti in it

[@phatbassanchor]

Noodle bolts! Hahaha ;D aka pasta flechettes! Hahaha ;D

[@RoganGunn]

@@phatbassanchor Noodle bodkins, surely? 😂

[@phatbassanchor]

@@RoganGunn RIght! One always finds a use for a good bodkin! Haha ;D

[@Blackpheonix99]

🤌🤌

[@formdoggie5]

It looks like they wore the combo on their right side. You cross draw the sword, not the bolts.

[@ziggarillo]

Absolutely, if it's a hunting sword you don't need fast access, just a place to keep your sword. Plus it's a short sword so it's not really a compromise.

[@SonsOfLorgar]

And with a short sword, a same side draw isn't hard.

[@sachadavid8410]

You mention that reaching to your left to take a bolt is awkward. Did you notice that in all but one picture, the squiver is on the person's right side ? like a your regular quiver.

[@Unsensitive]

Then it'd be awkward to draw your sword...

[@tyrander1652]

@@Unsensitive Roman gladius, (gladii?), scabbards are on the right side.So maybe it's not awkward for a short falchion/hunting sword.

[@sachadavid8410]

@@Unsensitive I guess it's a matter of choosing the lesser of 2 awkwardness.

[@toncek9981]

@@tyrander1652 So were the Celtic swords

[@benevolentworldexploder5395]

@@sachadavid8410 I would have to agree. Plus you don't have to load your sword. Once it's drawn you've combatted that awkwardness once and for all, since drawing it likely means not putting it away until the end of the fight. The only issue though is that it may appear to limit your quiver size for this added function. I can see an argument for an extra quiver to hold extra ammunition as well. You've got the space for it, so why not? Unless there's an extra degree of clumsiness we've not accounted for.

[@yarugatyger1603]

I find that on some of the pictures it looks more like a regular quiver strapped to the scabbard to not have so many dangly bits on you rather than having it built in.

[@AllanMacMillan]

I've tossed a couple bucks to myarmoury. Unfortunately they're not taking new registrations right now. As for your squiver, I like the notion of keeping specialty bolts separate. In the hunting context rate of fire won't be an issue, so the awkwardness of retrieving a bolt may be outweighed by the convenience of only having one thing strapped to your belt.

[@mrroberts7828]

I know you see something like that in the east, smaller pockets on the side that seem to either be different arrows, or ease of access. I'm not entirely sure either way

[@Arrek8585]

@@mrroberts7828 Could be both depending on context. Going into a battle have it filled with the special bolts, but during campaign travel and scouting, normal bolts for the odd bit of hunting and forage. Armies would be opportunistic about any sort of food they didn't have to lug about with them.

[@DariusBaktash]

Moderation after so many years may have become more stringent about new users or it may be due to concerns about security. Forum technology is quite outdated when it comes to new user management [in a world of trolls and those with more problematic agendas] and netsec in this space is especially difficult. This is doubled when talking about large influxes of new users from mentions elsewhere. If you're actively interested in participating, as opposed to lurking, I would recommend taking time to message their moderation team and ask to join with some proof of your posts in other parts of the net. It's no guarantee, but there's a chance they might be willing to open up to individuals with proof of good character/behavior.

[@glenbe4026]

@@DariusBaktash It sounds like they are actively discouraging new members. Which then makes me feel they have brought their current situation upon themselves. I have seen too many forums that start to discourage new members because they are very comfortable with a feel of a small bunch of friends.

[@MartinGreywolf]

I propose an alternative theory of this being a sort of a sidearm quiver, for when you're going about your business in a slightly dangerous area and don't want to carry your full bag of bolts on you. That way, it makes more sense to attach it directly to the sidearm scabbard, as opposed to having just another quiver on the belt.

[@dayofmone]

Writing before watching your conclusion. I counted on the pictures and there are also only 3 or 4 bolts in the quivers depicted. What I thought is that it might have been used for a rather specific employment where it was not expected to need any more than those few bolts, possibly because a transition to melee was expected, or because it was intended for very short lasting engagements. Something that would come to mind would be security. I do not know about guards in medieval times, but if I was a guard and carrying a crossbow in that proffession was a thing, I would only bring as few bolts as I thought I might need just to carry around less weight. In that role, it would seem to be highly unlikely having to fight against such great numbers that more bolts would be needed, let alone have time to do so without the opposition closing in to a range that requires self defense with a sword. You mentioned loading as a little awkward, having to reach around to your left side to retrieve a bolt, however on three of the four pictures the sword and quiver are carried on the right. That is something that also makes me wonder, whether it could point towards the sword being a backup to the crossbow, as it is carried on the less convenient side to draw.

[@mariushorn8730]

yeah, notices that,too. My first thought was it could be for lefthanders, they got everything on the right side...but than again, there is this one picture that "doesn't fit" :D

[@Beschaulichkeit]

Or could it be that, in close combat situations like a city street or square, shooting with your offhand would be good enough? Perhaps the crossbow was the backup? Perhaps you don't even expect to reload because the fight is so close that quiver speed is less important than keeping all your weapons on one hip?

[@aussiebloke609]

One thing I found interesting is that the majority of the paintings shown had the scabbard/quiver on the _right_ hip - an awkward draw for the blade perhaps, but they also depicted someone who at that moment was using a crossbow. I would suggest possibly the blade is considered a weapon of last resort for a crossbowman, so positioning of the quiver would take precedent?

[@bozo5632]

Needs space for irons, drivers and a wedge.

[@shimmermcpe1712]

Funnily enough, I use a quiver for my 3 clubs... they don't like me carrying an arming sword though ^o^

[@SonsOfLorgar]

@@shimmermcpe1712 sword cane with a golf club head as a pommel?

[@NoremacEcallaw]

There was a London zoo ad that showed as you raised your crossbow and for a second I thought you were shooting a tiger

[@ethanpeeler3147]

Taking experiments up a notch

[@JakobKaiserCreative]

In those pictures you put on screen, I saw it's been said before, the hunters all wore theirs on the right, which I think should be something to consider. Perhaps give it a shot, see if it works with the Falchion or if a shorter blade would be more appropriate, which I think it would be. In the hunting context, that is. As for the military use, your points make good sense.

[@claudiobernardi3002]

I had never seen anything like it! amazing those paintings / sources in the beginning. Thanks Tod for always coming up with new and special things 👏🏻

[@jansenart0]

I partly agree: it wouldn't be a golf bag of tips but perhaps just one type of alternative shot, perhaps only plate-piercing (given the comparative rarity of plate compared to the rabble of conscripted footmen you'd face on a battlefield). Just consider how difficult it would be to locate the specific round through a glove. And if you're waiting the entire time to line up just that one bolt you have, your lord is going to be pissed that you're not fighting (I absolutely would be). Meantime, if you're lining up on a mounted noble, marauding through the archers, to claim his gear, your bolt has your name on it.

[@chemistrykrang8065]

This reminds me strongly of the way practical shotgun competitors keep a stash of slugs somewhere separate to their usual buckshot so they can load a slug when needed (for longer range or greater penetration)...

[@knives0244]

I had the same thought. It's kind of like having a sleeve on the butt of a shotgun with a couple slugs in it while you're pouch/pocket has your buck shot

[@tlsgrz6194]

Apart from the very first, the other images show these quiver-scabbards worn on the right hip. Could it be, that the depicted people are left handed but still use a crossbow like a right-handed person would? I know that for archery, the dominant hand is less relevant than the dominant eye (which is often, but not always the same). Alternatively, could these swords be short enough to be drawn from the same side like a roman gladius? Or did they have a different method of reloading which allowed them to keep the trigger-hand on the bow while reloading with the leading hand (I have no idea how that would work, but maybe there is a way).

[@JudgeAnnibal]

Or maybe the sword was just a backup for close quarters; as another user said, probably town watch or security purposes, where you're not really expecting to fire 20 bolts, but you're just patrolling (or hunting) and your sword is there just as a backup. That would explain why the sword isn't on the side for the dominant hand, but the quiver is.

[@knutzzl]

Shortsword or big knife? You alsow carry your pouch and (standard)knife on the same spot on the belt

[@user-ii5im7zm2t]

I really love that ending analysis, because it went a wildly different direction from my own. I would have simply moved the sword to my right hip, so I could access the bolts with my right hand, and also draw the sword with my dominant right hand using a gunslinger draw.

[@tods_workshop]

Blade is too long for that (I think), perhaps I should try

[@The-RA-Guy]

I have to agree. That was my 1st thought as well. What would you say was a contemporary sword length and would it draw?

[@Big5ocks]

@@tods_workshop you did say you deliberately made an oversized blade ;) I do like your theory though, and also a couple of the others in the comments. Really at the end of the day, I think its about giving a man-at-arms options? Maybe it wasn't many peoples cup of tea, and that's why we don't see many examples, but some people liked them and found situational uses for them. You probably have one of the best jobs in the world as an experimental archeologist :)

[@drewbeishline3678]

My first thought was perhaps crossbowmen in formation could draw from the squiver of the man to his right, but if that was the case they would have wanted it to hold the majority of the shots, not a small reserve.

[@Bubim1]

My first thought for military context was similiar to the way pila or fraziska axes were used. To harass and soften up the enemy before the contact.

[@j.f.fisher5318]

I was thinking something like plumbata could be carried so folks without bows would have a ranged option readily at hand.

[@robnelsen4883]

Never have enough ammo. I like your statement about the special bolts. Keeping them separate makes so much sense.

[@rileyernst9086]

That is a very nice falchion. Also very interesting video as always. I love the idea of having a separate quiver for the good stuff.

[@j.a.steiger7201]

Possibly a case of somebody taking their hunting gear to war.

[@petermuller3995]

Thanks for your channel Tod! You are an amazing craftsman and human!

[@arrint.4987]

Great video! Would you ever consider doing a video series on typical soldier kits for all the eras you make items for? I've really enjoyed the few videos you've done from encampments or in full kit. Seeing a whole set together in context, rather than an overview of a single weapon type, would be really interesting. Especially if you could go through changing trends in each century like you have in a few of your dagger videos.

[@Blakobness]

I'm glad you came basically to the same conclusion as I did when seeing it. Specialized munitions, things you don't want to be fumbling in your 20 capacity quiver for a specific scenario. Could be specialized heads, could be that they're greased bolts and just couldn't scratch together enough wax to coat 20.

[@sitrilko]

The quiver reminds me of Cuman (or some old Hungarian) style quivers, where the arrow heads were at the top. One of the advantages of someone cited being the same as Tod mentioned - sometimes you need special ammo.

[@theMindwalker]

Left handers. That, and I think your theory on what they were used for is spot on. Makes 100% sense.

[@simonacerton3478]

Tod, your experimental archeology work is truly exceptional . Thank you. I suspect this quiver serves the same purpose as the German Walther PPK pistol holsters that had a space for an extra magazine. It was convenient after a fashion and all in one which meant some aesthetic or supposed practical criteria though up by some officer. It could also very well have been custom gear , the crossbowman's "tacticool" accessory or just something that worked well for that one guy and being unusual ended up in a woodcut. Similar gear is plentiful among firearms enthusiasts especially in the States where we love guns and gadgets, a good example being mounts for shot-shells that mount on the weapons side or stock or replace the sling with a bandolier contraption instead of a belt pouch.

[@tods_workshop]

Thanks and yes just a bit semi useful condensed kit

[@SepticFuddy]

Holsters with a mag pouch are pretty common today, even for IWB carry, though I personally don't like the extra bulk all in one piece of gear. Also for strong side draw, it is a bit awkward to reach the mag. For appendix or weak side it works much better.

[@zxcven]

great content as usual, but i just wanna say i love your shorts.

[@peterheinrichs7634]

There aren't enough like buttons at your YT channel to show, how much I appreciate your content...

[@not-a-theist8251]

Man this thing is amazing. Gonna steal this if I ever make a medieval pen and paper character again. The sword is amazing too

[@CarlosRodriguez-dd4sb]

I like how Tod is able to 'put himself in the moment' and think through the whys and hows based on his knowledge, experience, and interpretive mind. Well done sir. I did go to donate and found registration is closed for new members - so anonymous donations at this point.

[@tods_workshop]

Thank you and I will ask then to look at that

[@Badmagix23]

You clearly have thought about this way more than me, and your conclusion does make sense. The thing im noticing with the artwork is the sword and quiver seem to be on the side of their dominant hand, which looks like the place you would normally draw from. The quiver on some examples doesn't seem to fit along the sword but rather bulge like a sack, which might indicate there's more space, not near a full quiver, but maybe more than 5. Beautiful piece you made there, have a good day.

[@gushlergushler]

The Qing Dynasty archers had quivers with a lot of variety in terms of arrows. You'd find various types of points and whistling arrows etc. in different compartments. They were located in the same quiver but it does make sense to have a group of arrows for specific circumstances in a seperate compartment.

[@larsdejong7396]

I just love how Todd spends a couple of minutes just rambling about how much he loves his passion.

[@QuentinStephens]

Great video about an unusual item. Thank you. I note that none of the swords in the pictures looked particularly long, which would aid same-side drawing. As others have noted, in three of the four pictures both sword and quarrels were on the right-hand side, which seems appropriate for a left-hander like me.

[@benjamingodden4962]

Very interesting, when I was regularly shooting . I had 2 quivers and kept six to track bolts used per target. On long course . But also sometimes as you said kept my best selection ( trick shot or fast bolt) in displays where judge nominated a target in a knockout bout. So would shoot known performers as there was more a stake.

[@Buster-Sharp]

that is cool. long ago I attached the scabbard of a dagger to the leather sheath of the sword I had at the time and other then the cheep nature of what I had to work with it worked pretty well. I'm surprised you don't see that sort of thing more often, this being the first time I've seen anything like it. I've often thought that one could do the same sort of thing with a short sword which could free up space on one's belt and I plain to do something similar when I get around to making a scabbard for the sword I'm working on now.

[@Incandescentiron]

A very logical conclusion, and beautiful workmanship for a simple proof of concept.

[@brunoethier896]

Very interesting comments on the battlefield practicalities!

[@jm9371]

Great video. I have never heard of these quiver combos. Firstly, for hunting they make sense as your only going to get a shot or two off per engagement anyway; so five would be plenty. Secondly, they could have served as additional ammo for your crossbowman while on a military campaign (a modern machine gunner does not carry all his ammo himself). Additionally, if your in a line of crossbow shooters standing close to each other, it would be very easy to grab a bolt from the scabbard of someone standing to your right.

[@MSW-R]

Interesting video and concept! Just a thought in a couple of those illustrations of the device, especially at 1:20 i noted that the bottom part of the quiver seems to expand. Like the quiver is teardrop-shaped with a soft bottom. Parhaps this would allow for a more compact stacking of bolts if the boltheads are stacked with the tips facing up. Not to say yours is not beautifully made. But maybe a more budget / flexable one could add capacity. Keep up the good work!

[@tods_workshop]

That swelling is pretty customary for bolt quivers and the bolts are usually head up

[@Frank_Nemo]

Tod demonstrates his reacharound technique in true 'Full Metal Jacket' fashion.

[@LunchThyme]

Oh, lol, the whole time you were talking about "My Armory" I thought you were talking about your personal armory, didn't realise it was the name of a website until the end.

[@yt.602]

Interesting conclusion, far from a daft one either, you could easily be right. Also lovely bit of craftsmanship :D I do like seeing the goatsfoot lever loading system, there's a mechanical elegance to that crossbow drawing design.

[@JimmyTwoTimesGTPx2]

I was thinking about this, thinking about Robin Hood and him having a sword sheath/quiver combo! So cool and pretty smart explanation for the crossbow appeal of the combo! Bolts not for everyday use…the special stash of ammo, and next to your trusty blade if things REALLY get too close for comfort! 😮😂 cheers from Las Vegas!

[@copper_knight]

I think tod should make the same kind of video of longbow vs plate armor but with crossbows instead. The results would be really interesting im sure.

[@APV878]

Intriguing idea and thoughts!

[@Dirtbag-Hyena]

Brother, I have a few things to say. 1) That's a sexy piece of art you crafted. 2) Please go to the Nexus or Schaken mods and get them to make a mod for Skyrim SE. Please!!!! Thank you for all your wonderful videos, you always look like a kid in a sweet shoppe.✌🏼

[@then00brathalos]

You know what. Now a really wanna see a modern version of this (machette and modern arrow quiver combo)

[@necromancer0616]

I REALLY like the combo Todd! So when are you gonna sell them? Also, why do you have your bolts in the quiver upside-down? perhaps it would be better for things like arrows on a back scabbard for a few more shots? But I can see the idea as a way of having a few more shots in a prolonged conflict.

[@stephanmast.8634]

I sometimes bind it to my scabbard in re-enactment because its just easy. The crossbow is carried in my right end and that way both doesnt bounce against my hand or crossbow while walking.

[@ithryn]

This is why my d&d archers tend to have like 5 quivers, makes perfect sense to me, different quivers for different bolts/arrows

[@kdawg3484]

I just kept my hundreds of arrows in the party's bag of holding except for a single quiver. Sold all the special arrows. Arrows of dragon-slaying are much better to sell than use against dragons. Of course, this was all obviated when I got my spectral bow that had unlimited ammunition. I look forward to seeing the potential historical use for one of those in a future video.

[@johns1307]

Such a video game answer to a historical question, and yet 100% logical because the same reasons its a good idea in a game make it a good idea in real life. Every weapon a purpose and every purpose a weapon.

[@Ironclad.Airsoft]

I had an idea similar to this year's ago. This is better executed than my idea. Very nice

[@nickaschenbecker9882]

I love MyArmoury. It's everything SFI never was. Sparring should be saved for the salon.

[@adam-k]

In some of the artwork they wore the Squivers on the right or on the back. An other thing they may used is as a dump bag. It was probably useful to have an other storage on them they can just simply dump things in. Extra bolts, things you cannot put elsewhere. Things you picked up randomly.

[@whim6287]

I forgot about that site. Thanks for the reminder of that knowledge well.

[@InSanic13]

Neat stuff as always, Tod. Any chance we might get a video on means of carrying the crossbow? Aside from just having it on a wagon or in hand, I have seen some claims on the internet about somehow fastening a crossbow on the belt or back, but I have no idea if there's any evidence to support those claims.

[@Dimythios]

Tom... luv your videos but man... those shorts have seen some better days... :) Good video as always.

[@MagnitudeUK]

By some of the frescos you showed, It looks more like a bolt bag sewn, rather than a bolt box, Which would solve the issue of not having many of them. I would also think it could be for a page or squire who is going around collecting the nice bolts for their lord, who shot them at someone - A falchion would be a perfect accompaniment in that case.

[@JainaSoloB312]

Perhaps they initially wore it on their right side, but once the enemy was upon them slid it over to their left side for drawing the sword? Once you're in melee range you don't really need access to the bolts

[@patavinity1262]

All but one of the pictures showed men wearing this on their right hip. I expect they simply switched to the right hip when they wanted to use a crossbow, then put it on the left hip when they were prepared to use the sword.

[@souppiyas6987]

3 of 4 pictures hand the sword and quiver on the right so it may be better with shorter sword of knife that draw from right side. It also make me think of when people gear up and goes out for hunting or fighting, they want to have less individual items so it's easier to don't forget what's needed.

[@roterex9115]

Rather than a sword scabbard could you maybe combine a dagger scabbard with the quiver? That way you could put it on the right hip and not have extra stuff on your belt.

[@crozraven]

Those ones existed a lot & actually already made by him, including the eating utensils stuff(spoon, fork, steak knife, etc).

[@Alulim-Eridu]

That was my first guess too. Specialized bolts. Super interesting 👌

[@VosperCDN]

That's a very reasonable explanation - sort of how modern soldiers may have a mag pouch with AP or Incendiary-Tracer for target indication.

[@mpsmith47304]

I got pointed to you for my first commission with you at MyArmoury. Maybe.... 17-18 years ago? I still have that knife!

[@rivercarson5763]

Others Have mentioned this already, but in the pictures it looks like everyone is wearing their squiver on the right hip, or holding the bow in the right hand, so the awkward juggling to get a bolt out isn't an issue. It especially makes sense if the special ammunition theory is true, because if someone is rushing you, or you need to take a shot at a certain opportunity, you need to get your special bolt on as quick as possible to be able to make the shot at all.

[@notcalledbob2654]

Looking at the paintings, it’s only the armoured fella that has the scabbard on their left. The hunting pictures are being worn on their right. This would counter the awkwardness of loading.

[@z0n4l1]

the art work show the quiver on the right side exept the first photo but he holds the bow with the left hand so that would make it more easy to reach

[@barretharms655]

That was exactly my thought that is your quiver for the black arrows and the incendiaries.

[@j.f.fisher5318]

I'd point out that the boxes were mostly shown being wider than the scabbard, and in the second case, it looks like a bag that is wider near the bottom, possibly accomodating more bolts. Also, I'd note that as shown, several of those were on the right hip, which is a bit odd for a scabbard, though the gladius was worn on the right side.

[@goblindart]

What if, and bear with me, but what if you wear your blade on your dominant/sword hand side, just like how the Romans wore their Gladius... The Romans did this so that drawing their sword would not interfere with the shield while in a tight formation; having your sword on your drawing-hand side allows for a nice compact workspace. This works especially well for short swords (just like the Gladius), but this can actually work surprisingly well for longer blades too! I've tried it myself with my Oakeshott Type XVIII and it's quite comfortable! So this now means that you can have your blade on an operationally effective side, as well as having your bolts be easily accessible. I know I'm super late, but it's just a thought I had. Thanks for all your fantastic work!

[@GrimrDirge]

I spent many happy hours on MyAmoury. Great place. A few snobs, but Great nonetheless. It was there that I had a great conversation about Dane axes with Hank Reinhardt before he passed. Such is the caliber of the community.

[@leppeppel]

In three of the four period images shown, the squiver is being worn on the right hip, so the bolts would presumably be easier to draw.

[@frazermarka]

Seeking a practical viewpoint, I was thinking that it seemed super convenient. Less kit to put on, fewer bags banding around, all bundled nice and compact. It immediately brought to mind those phone cases with a wallet on the back. Yeah, it doesn't hold much as much but it holds enough. For a soldier, man-at-arms, huntsman, or guardsman who generally lived in their kit this seems like a no-brainer of a combination. Especially for those people who fill the in-between roles who have not dedicated crossbowmen, who expect to be close to contact. Which from your reference artwork seems to be the case.

[@oneshotme]

Enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up

[@mnk9073]

The special ammunition makes sense. Might also be to have a handfull of last ditch bolts, if you're sending bolt after bolt at enemies it's easy to lose track of how many already went because you don't really look at your quiver each time you get a new bolt so if you find yourself fishing around in an empty quiver you both get a reminder and the reasurance that you got five and ONLY five bolts remaining before you're down to your short sword.

[@myrmix4242]

Just a small think about the pictures you showed: Some of these quivers seemed more bag-like. Maybe a leather rim attached to the scabbard sewn to a fabric bag? Might be able to hold two or three more bolts and also applicable for smaller scabbards. About the use: As a total layman I can see this definitely as a hunting thing (or maybe even for patrols in little towns against boars getting cheeky or even wolves for the two or three guys in the garrison that would use (and show off) such expensive stuff like crossbows they brought back from a war). You have your big pack of bolts on your horse but as soon as the hounds catch a scent, you mount off, pack 4 or 5 bolts into your squiver and go off with your lads into the woods.

[@Norkans5]

My thought was as a Reserve you keep for emrgencies. You might empty your normal quiver and then get more. But an Enemy might suddenly appear. Then you still got the bolts in your scabbard-quiver to shoot him.

[@gregajohnson1985]

it honestly makes sense. if you have something long, and rigid, to store it with other items of that shape. i keep my woodsman's axe next to my water pump for bailing my kayak next to each other on one side of my pack. on the other side, is my shovel, and hand saw. across my chest is my large knife, with small knife, fork, and spoon strapped to it. it isn't that much of a stretch to imagine people packing that way with weaponry and camping items. my buddy keeps his breakdown fishing pole with his tent poles.

[@theirontitan]

I might actually make one of these, and try out making a smaller crossbow using one of your tutorials. Id like something hunting grade for my stuff, and I don't really have room to hang a quiver, being that I carry all the specialized equipment (tools, flints, maps, etc)in my group. I've been wanting a proper ranged thing, and I think that'll be perfect.

[@josepha.freivaldsr.9636]

Don't forget stealth: If you are watching a target while kneeling and more or less squatting on your left leg (like a rifle match shooter), then the right is leg is essentially at 90 degrees to support your elbow. At that point it makes sense that -- while still watching your target -- reaching down a short distance to your waist is less detectable than fussing with a right-side quiver that you have to get to by feel.

[@johnathansaegal3156]

As soon as you asked why would someone have two quivers... my initial thought was exactly why I (an American with concealed carry pistol permit) have two separate magazine pouches: one holds my hollow-point, expanding anti-personnel ammunition - the basic round used for person-to-person self-defense, no over penetration and will stop the threat... then I have a pouch of two magazines with full metal jacket rounds that can punch through car doors or medium cover and still take down the threat whereas a hollow point will not pen through the barrier between the threat and myself. ... then I thought about your question and realized that there is general loadout for the crossbow and a rare, but potential specialized need... times and weapons have changed, but the concept of needing specialized ammunition for certain "targets" is still there. (please note that as a permit holder for carrying concealed weapons such as a pistol, you are responsible for every shot fired. If you over-penetrate the threat and the round ricochets and strikes an innocent bystander, you are going to be charged with that crime. Therefore, knowing what ammunition you are choosing to use is a very realistic dilemma. Having the ammunition separated is the best way to not get them mixed up)

[@tods_workshop]

Thanks a great point and well made

[@poja82]

I think you surpassed your expectations, my armoury has stopped accepting new members for the month.

[@smilodnfatalis55]

I feel like the idea could be enhanced just by adding dividers to the quiver like a filing cabinet- bodkins in the back, needles in the middle, and heavies in the front. This way you don't need to be feeling around the heads to know which is which, wasting time and risking impaling your hand in a rush. Also, you could then store them head-down instead of pointing up (which again puts your hand at risk when you're careless).