Ceremonial Sickle
 

Hi.
Im trying to research this Sickle. Its around 25 x 27cm.
It has an inscription around the back edge in Latin Characters.
I am presuming its a Ceremonial piece for the cutting the first Harvest or similar?
Any ideas of age and provenance?

More pics

Hello,

The construction is similar to that of Nepalese hasiya sickles:
http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=603
http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=11243 (original pics no longer available but IIRC the piece was quite similar to yours)

Very odd cutouts in the blade though. An unnecessary waste of material I think. This could be a more modern embellishment...

Regards,
Emanuel

What does the inscription say? I can't make it out.

F

reminds me of no. italian brush cutters, called 'beidane', many have cutout decorations, hearts, etc. and a hook on the pommel to hang it on your belt. this looks like a fancy older sickle shaped one.

Thread discussed similar ones HERE

The inscription is very difficult to read anything. Theres just the odd letter.

I also feel it is of European manufacture, the construction of the Barrel Handle is very similar to that of arrel Locks from the 17th century.

The Belt Hook is very similar so perhaps it is Italian?

That well may be ("just the odd letter") but it is possibly the key to our understanding of the piece. Can you make them out for us in the order of appearance on the blade. If we can find some meaning here we might be able to discern origin.

It is obviously not a practical blade. The cutouts may will hold a symbolic meaning and purpose. Not really a waste of materials as i would image that a smith would not throw iron away rather than reforge it. :confused:
I don't think these cutouts were added later. It seems the original design to me. :shrug:

It's not a belt hook, it's a hand guard - but yes it is similar to those on Italian roncole & falci..