Hi Jim,
I'm thinking at next year's Timonium I'll come along with my flyssa collection for people to handle and maybe have a stand with the info we have to date on these. IIRC, you made a presentation on the lfyssa a few years ago Jim.
I expect I'll have pictures of the oldest dated flyssa from the Madrid Royal Armoury museum by then.
I've contacted the Musée des Invalides about any flyssa in their collection but have yet to receive any replies.
Interestingly, perusing through colonial French archaeological publications I came upon an early adectode of a local Marabout (saint, Muslim teacher figure in the Maghreb) who was said to carry an unusual very long sabre. No more info was given in that particular anecdote but I'm starting to wonder whether these swords did not have a very specific use and context, more subtle than just a 'cavalry weapon'.
As for use, I'm thinking about the flyssa used in a way similar to what we see in Gatka and Shastar Vidiya, where wide sweeping and whirling slashes are made, leading with the hilt instead of the point. In that situation, and from my limited and amateurish eperimentation, the flyssa is not a bad weapon.
Anyway, more food for thought from an addict
All the best and drive safe!
Emanuel