back to the original sword, it may be wise not to dismiss these swords so quickly. obviously this one is of no consequence, but again its always good to have a clear mind, for a very good reason.
i know of a number of incredible finds. unfortunately i have yet to be part of one so i am the storyteller, and not the boastful owner
not so many years ago in one of the largest auction houses (how vague is that?) a sword appeared that looked along the lines of ariels andalusian piece (attached). it had the typical hispanic hilt and a full matching scabbard. the blade was wide and straight and the sword was altogether quite gawdy. the hilt and scabbard was covered in large turquoises and other stones, set into bone and it was bloody ugly. it was catalogued as a 19thC theatrical sword but a well known arms specialist (again, vague). to all intent and purpose, it looked exactly as it was described. more costume jewellery than weapon and so it was pretty much overlooked. the blade was quite nicely decorated so it fetched more than a meaningless sword, but much less than a sword of merit.
well, the blade was actually almost identical to the attached sword in the topkapi and is completely original! the goldword is as fine, the blade shape the same (with multiple fullers), it isnt quite as thoroughly decorated but the islamic script and st. irene mark are present. i have no idea how this sword came to be dressed in this manner, nor how anyone could have overlooked it once the blade was seen. all i can say was that the fittings were so incredibly ugly that no one of knowledge must have unsheathed the sword to see its true beauty.
i think this is one of the greatest of finds, and i cannot begin to explain the importance of the blade. as far as i know, it is the only other one outside the topkapi and its crazy to think it entered the salerooms without being noticed. it is in a private collection that i know, and will be published at some point this year.
just goes to show it pays to look twice.
the hilt and scabbard have been removed of course, and will no doubt find a trade kaskara blade and re-enter the salerooms once more as a 19thC theatrical sword.