Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Jim McDougall · 3rd June 2016, 11:30 PM

I cannot say a great deal on the style and period of mounts here, but in my view the blade is probably a reprofiled Solingen saber or hanger item from about mid 18th. As far as I have known the VOC swords were often made in Solingen on some Dutch centers which had German smiths. While the well known VOC examples were typically dated, had the VOC symbol and typically the letter for which of the kamers (chambers) this was allotted to.
There were I think 6, A=Amsterdam; D=Delft etc and the M I think was Middleburg (?).
These letters on this blade are scribed in, IN THE MANNER OF the VOC style of marking, but I would say locally added. The lettering in not in accord with the character of most of these blades, and one side in upside down.

I have understood swords of VOC were not 'issued' but private purchase by the individuals in the employ or otherwise in the service of the company.
These seem to have often been traded or sold into native context, and not really imported to them for use.

3rd June 2016, 11:30 PM	#10
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,137	I cannot say a great deal on the style and period of mounts here, but in my view the blade is probably a reprofiled Solingen saber or hanger item from about mid 18th. As far as I have known the VOC swords were often made in Solingen on some Dutch centers which had German smiths. While the well known VOC examples were typically dated, had the VOC symbol and typically the letter for which of the kamers (chambers) this was allotted to. There were I think 6, A=Amsterdam; D=Delft etc and the M I think was Middleburg (?). These letters on this blade are scribed in, IN THE MANNER OF the VOC style of marking, but I would say locally added. The lettering in not in accord with the character of most of these blades, and one side in upside down. I have understood swords of VOC were not 'issued' but private purchase by the individuals in the employ or otherwise in the service of the company. These seem to have often been traded or sold into native context, and not really imported to them for use.