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Old 7th June 2006, 05:18 AM   #7
Jim McDougall
Arms Historian
 
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
Posts: 10,190
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This interesting piece, although it has certain loose similiarity to the kastane, or some interpretation of it, appears to me a European hunting hanger. The odd greenish grip may be stained horn. It seems that greened coloration was something that was popular on various hangers and weapons of the gentry during the 18th century, but need to search more for verification of that.

In "Swords, Daggers and Cutlasses" (G. Weland, 1991, p.45) the author illustrates a German hunting sabre dated 1658, with virtually the same type guard wuth upswept knuckleguard, and short downturned quillon. The hilt grip shape is also similar, flaring out more at the pommel, and typical of both English and Continental hangers of the period. The author becomes even more specific, noting that this hilt form is of the 'old Franconian style'. While it is unclear exactly how that term is intended, the region known as Franconia was a medieval duchy in Germany situated in the valley of the Main River.
I found another example of one of these hunting swords, same hilt quillon arrangement in "Hunting Weapons" (Howard Blackmore, 1971, fig. 12) shown as German, dated 1654.
The zoomorphic guard seems to represent probably griffins. The rather crude floral motif on the blade seems unusually rough, and the linear curved or semi circle motif seems possibly a stylized perception of the familiar Genoese/Styrian sickle marks.
Curious about the drilled hole near the base of the blade, and what that might be for.
Most interesting piece and though reminiscent of these 17th century examples, is more likely 18th century . More research in other resources may reveal other similar hilts with these smooth and simple grips. I really have never seen any of these using jade, but of course they may be out there!!

Best regards,
Jim
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