U.S. Model 1902 Saber

I bought this sword along with the aiguillettes I posted last week and the sword accessories I’ll post next. They came as a lot from the estate of a retired senior Army officer. This type of sword was in adopted in 1902 for all Army officers except chaplains (who aren’t allowed to play with knives). It remains as the regulation sword for ceremonial functions.

Per regulation, the metal parts of the hilt are steel plated in dull finished nickel. This scabbard is also nickel plated steel, but shiny. The black grip, which I have seen in a variety of materials, is in this case black enameled wood. The manufacturer’s name is in a panel near the hilt “The M.C. Lilley & Co., Columbus, OH”. This dates the sword to between 1902 and 1925 (It became “The Lilley Co” in 1925).

The etching on these swords tends to follow the same pattern. One side is etched with floral sprays, stands of military trophies, and an eagle at midpoint, clutching a ribbon with the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM”. The other side is the same, except the eagle is replaced with the “U.S.” initials in Gothic script. This sword also features more floral pattern etched along the spine of the blade.

The nickel-steel sword hanger came with the sword, and is marked “FRANCE” and “RUST PROOF”. One reference says this type of hangar was first authorized in 1914. The standard U.S. brown leather portepee is attached to the guard and exhibits normal wear. Portepees were originally intended to secure the saber to the wrist, but over time became purely ornamental.

Now, here is the unsolved mystery:
What is that other leather thing, made of similar leather to the portepee, but with a tassel and snap-hook hanging beneath? It also came with this lot, and I assume it has something to do with the sword.

Chris