Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Jim McDougall · 27th January 2014, 11:10 PM

This is quite a handsome sabre Valjhun, which appears to be in the style of Eastern European forms, including Austrian which was of course part of Hungary then. What you note is in most cases probably true in degree, silver and elaborately decorated sabres would typically be for dress occasions.
What seems odd to me is that for a silver mounted sabre, which has various elements which are somewhat compared to a number of Eastern European forms, this one seems remarkably austere.

I have not been able to locate any examples in standard references on Eastern European swords with anything directly comparable, though in gestalt it does carry the theme. It seems very unusual to have a solid silver grip, though it is very attractive, and I have not seen a sectioned guard and knucklebow system like this.

The interesting stylized chopmark device at the back of the guard would seem possibly to be a stylized allusion to some of the ornate baroque sunburst style langet motif seen on some Eastern European sabres of 18th c. The beaded motif recalls a Hungarian design mid 18th on cavalry officers sabres of the Estrhazy regiment I believe.

Any evidence of markings or patination on the blade? Looks incredibly clean.

27th January 2014, 11:10 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,191	This is quite a handsome sabre Valjhun, which appears to be in the style of Eastern European forms, including Austrian which was of course part of Hungary then. What you note is in most cases probably true in degree, silver and elaborately decorated sabres would typically be for dress occasions. What seems odd to me is that for a silver mounted sabre, which has various elements which are somewhat compared to a number of Eastern European forms, this one seems remarkably austere. I have not been able to locate any examples in standard references on Eastern European swords with anything directly comparable, though in gestalt it does carry the theme. It seems very unusual to have a solid silver grip, though it is very attractive, and I have not seen a sectioned guard and knucklebow system like this. The interesting stylized chopmark device at the back of the guard would seem possibly to be a stylized allusion to some of the ornate baroque sunburst style langet motif seen on some Eastern European sabres of 18th c. The beaded motif recalls a Hungarian design mid 18th on cavalry officers sabres of the Estrhazy regiment I believe. Any evidence of markings or patination on the blade? Looks incredibly clean.