The Ferrule - Parts of the European Sword

The ferrule or furelles are the ring or cap found on some sword hilts that cap the two ends of the grip. Though this metal ring is not required in many sword grips, they can be included to hide the ends of the wrapping material to give the grip a polished finish. They can also protect more brittle materials like bone or even the wooden handles that could become dry and prone to splitting. The ferrule can reinforce them and hold them together when they become under stress. They are normally simple and can be made from a variety of metals but normally will complement the hilts aesthetics. Some can even be embossed or etched with great detail on a sword made for someone of royalty or higher stature.