Why the Lanyard Staple?

Jim Keenan · 06-23-2003, 11:19 PM

Lanyard loops were intended primarily for the cavalry. The trooper had a loop around his neck with a sping hook to which the gun could be attached. The U.S. Model 1911 and its early magazines also had loops that were used the same way.

The reason is obvious. If an infantry officer dropped his pistol, he could pick it up. If a cavalryman dropped his in combat, he was unarmed. So it was a good idea to tie the guns (and magazines) to him, even if he did end up bearing some resemblance to a maypole.

Lanyards were sometimes used by others, like military police, so the lanyard loop remained even after horse cavalry was not longer of real significance in war.

Jim

06-23-2003, 11:19 PM	#4
Jim Keenan User Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 184 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Lanyard loops were intended primarily for the cavalry. The trooper had a loop around his neck with a sping hook to which the gun could be attached. The U.S. Model 1911 and its early magazines also had loops that were used the same way. The reason is obvious. If an infantry officer dropped his pistol, he could pick it up. If a cavalryman dropped his in combat, he was unarmed. So it was a good idea to tie the guns (and magazines) to him, even if he did end up bearing some resemblance to a maypole. Lanyards were sometimes used by others, like military police, so the lanyard loop remained even after horse cavalry was not longer of real significance in war. Jim