Axelbant is an accessory with a long history

The word "aglant" came from the German anhsel and band, meaning "armpit" and "bow". Axelbent is a braided thread with metal tips. It has been used since the middle of the 17th century mainly as an ornament of military uniform.

According to the statute

Akselbant, as an integral part of the dress uniform, must be worn at the parade, in the guard of honor, as well as musicians of military bands. As a rule, it is attached to the right shoulder, but sometimes, according to the tradition of the unit, it can also be attached to the left. In case of historical reconstruction of any costume, the aglet is fastened in accordance with the images or description.

Also now, the aiguillette is worn by participants of the so-called company of drummers. It is fastened like a military one, but it has its own peculiarity: the "female" hussar costume does not have a lapel, so the aiguillet in this case is simply sewn neatly to the uniform, and if there are several cross bars with buttons, you can attach the end of the aglet to one of them on The correct height. In the case of the drummers there is no general rule, as with any theatrical costumes.

Origin

There are three versions of how the aiguillet appeared. This, according to the first version, was first a forage rope worn by the cavalrymen, and metal tips were used to clean the seeds. There is an opinion that initially it was a long musket wick.

The second version says that there was an aiguillet in France. In order to hold the horse when the general descends, the adjutant threw a short loop of rope around the animal's neck, and for convenience always carried it with him and fastened it to a shoulder strap or epaulet.

And the third, the most romantic version, says that at a time when the Netherlands was fighting for independence with Spain, one Dutch regiment moved from the army of the Duke of Alba to his countrymen. The angry duke began to hang all of this regiment, who managed to take prisoner. The soldiers began to wear rope as a sign of contempt.

Perhaps all these versions are right, and maybe, in fact, the origin of the aiguillette is different, but now it is universally used to decorate the uniform, and for several hundred years there were certain rules on how to wear the aglet on the uniform. These rules are observed in all countries with rare exceptions, which can be associated only with certain local traditions.

How to sew an aglibant

Modern aiguillette - not just a rope, but a whole bunch of them, but on any form, whether it is naval or combined arms, it is attached under the right shoulder strap. First, you need to beat the shoulder by about half, then put the fabric hood at a distance of 0.5 mm from the edge of the shoulder strap from the sleeve. The first to go is a cord with an ornament (brush, metal tip). The second end is fixed with a lug under the lapel. For this, a button is sewn specially for him. It is important that the loop holding the tip is not visible from under the lapel. Sometimes a buttonhole is sewn instead of a button.

Tradition

In the Russian Empire the aglibbons appeared in the first half of the 18th century. They were worn by Grenadier and Musketeer regiments. Officers wore a gold-plated or silvered cord, and soldiers - the usual thread. By the beginning of the 20th century, it became an integral part of the form of generals. The aidelets of all the branches of the armed forces and the officers of the General Staff wore the aglings.

After the revolution in 1917, the aglibant was abolished, but was reintroduced to the USSR in 1971. For officers, it was gold, with two hinges and metal tips. Sergeants, sergeants, sailors and soldiers began to wear silver, the only tip of which was gold.

In the same 1971, at the parade in honor of the October Revolution, the uniform of soldiers was decorated with aiguillettes, after which the unregistered, so-called "Dembelsky" aglibant entered the tradition. These are homemade white or colored cords that are attached to the form in accordance with all the rules.

In other countries

It is interesting that in the British army there are four classes of aglet bells. The first, or royal: the aiguillettes of gold wire. They are worn by people occupying court posts - court doctors (medical labs), court surgeons, priests, palace cavalry, as well as field marshals, fleet admiral marshals and air marshals.

The so-called ministerial, or second class: they are officials from the Defense Council. The aiguilts of this class differ in color according to the type of military forces: gold and navy blue for the navy, and crimson and light blue for the army and air force.

In the same colors painted third, or officer, a class of aiguillettes, which were worn by officers of the army, air force and fleet.

The simple fourth class is worn by corporals and musicians of the dragoon regiment.

Now, anklet - it belongs to the ceremonial uniform practically in any country of the world. Although they differ in appearance and in the number of colors, they are almost always fixed in the same way.