A Sam Browne belt is worn so that it crosses over the right shoulder and is fastened on the left handside of the body.

Sam Browne was a British solider who served in India in the 19th Century. Duringe the Indian Rebellion of 1857 Captain Browne was serving with the 2nd Punjab Irregular Cavalry when he sustained a two sword cuts that severed his left arm. This meant in future he would find it difficult to draw his sword since he needed his left hand to hold the scabbard still while he withdrew the sword with his right.

Browne then developed the idea of a second belt which went over his right shoulder and held the scabbard on the left side of his body, meaning he could draw his sword using just his right arm.

 

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