The Amazing History of Brass Knuckles
The history of brass knuckles traces back to the ancient Greece and Rome where these were at first manufactured as man-made weapons specifically designed for fighting. Undoubtedly, brass knuckles, also known as knuckle dusters still serve their purpose in our ultra-modern world today. During the Greek and Roman era, the earliest form of brass knuckles resembled that of "fighting gloves". Such fighting gloves were designed to add a boost to the punching power of gladiators fighting in arenas. With the passing centuries, brass knuckles did not lose their glory for once. In fact, these were manufactured and redesigned with fighting gloves, guns, and knives. Brass knuckles were revived during the two biggest wars of the world: WWI and WWII; during these wars, brass knuckles proved of great use during close-quarter battles. Subsequently, these were much popular among the American and European soldiers. The typical term of these fighting weapons is "brass knuckles" in the American state; which is, in fact, one term out of so many, such as "knuckle dusters", "knuckle dusters", and "knucks".
Brass Knuckles in Ancient Greece and Rome Many historians and researchers agree that the earliest form of brass knuckles was manufactured in the land of the ancient Greeks and Romans. The "fighting glove" to which I referred to earlier was known as "caestus". A typical "caestus" was made of two things: leather and piece(s) of metal. Gladiators made it a point to wear these "fight gloves" during matches in the arenas. The purpose of wearing this earliest form of brass knuckles was to inflict enormous pain by boosting the power of the punch. It can be somewhat compared as being the extreme opposite of our modern boxing glove that is specifically designed to lessen the punching impact. Even, the earliest designs of ‘brass knuckles' varied; some were worn as simple leather straps wrapped around the hand while the fingers are kept free. Others were made of metallic balls which were wrapped around the knuckles. Some of the brass knuckles were even studded with metal nails. The American Civil War and Brass Knuckles The popularity of brass knuckles increased during the period of the American Civil war that was fought somewhere in the 1800's. People came up with their own designs and shapes by making brass knuckles out of different material, such as wood, brass, metal, etc. an amazing factor is that even the bodyguards of the then President Abraham Lincoln used brass knuckles as defensive weapons. The brass knuckles of one female bodyguard are even today in display at the "Ford's Theater National Historic Site".
The Two Big Wars and Brass Knuckles Brass knuckles took a crucial shape during WWI and WWII where wars were primarily fought within the close space of the war trenches. Many American and British soldiers have issued the then popular ‘trench knives', the handle of which was made in the shape of ‘brass knuckles". This design allowed the soldiers not only a firm grip, but they could also effectively fight off their enemies in close-quarter battles.
The 21st Century and Brass Knuckles In the recent years, brass knuckles have been declared as illegal by many countries, including many states within the United States. However, this doesn't seem to have affected the popularity of these ancient fighting weapons. Some states do allow the buying and carrying of brass knuckles. Therefore it is mandatory to check in with the local laws before one decides to purchase a set of these glorious weapons. Apart from being amazing and very effective weapons of self-defense, brass knuckles can also be used as a paperweight, bottle opener, icebreaker, etc. many fashion designers have introduced brass knuckles in a variety of clothing items, such as shoes, brass knuckle belt buckles, handbags, and even shoes. If your state allows you to purchase and carry brass knuckles, it is highly suggested that you learn the correct fighting moves before you take your knuckle dusters out in the streets. A little tip: while wearing your brass knuckles make sure that you keep a straight wrist whereas the striking arm ought to be slightly bent. Such a striking body position ensures that you don't hurt yourself and accidentally fracture your hand or wrist!