Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Jim McDougall · 21st August 2024, 04:15 PM

I regret I must say this, as I think Jacenty meant well, but this venerable old blade was NOT given new life, but placed in a false context with intent to convey a superficial appearance.

For many years there has been a cottage industry of counterfeit Polish sabers being produced, as the proud heritage of Polish cavalry was much admired in the west (myself included as I was fascinated by the 'Winged Hussars').

Many gullible collectors were hoodwinked by often very convincing sabers, typically with old blades (like this one) matched with modern hilts following old styles and carefully 'aged' accordingly. More often they appeared 'cleaned and restored' which is why it is recommended on old swords to LEAVE THEM ALONE.

I once bought a karabela with a hilt in this category, with a very old blade from India (probably 17thc) with wonderful old markings in Urdu and a trisula (which was purported to be a tulip, thus Ottoman). When I finally realized the blade was indeed a very old Indian tulwar blade, and realized the mismatch, I could no longer bear this travesty.
As a weapon historian, I mourned the dismantling of the sword from which the blade was taken.

So what I would say to those out there who simply want a pretty and shiny example of a historic form of sword, there are guys out there making very wonderful shiny reproductions. Actually these are well researched and made to pretty faithful standards.

Leave the REAL historic items to us here, where we see dark old patination as literally history incarnate, which often helps is investigate the true history of the weapon at hand.

It is true that during the working life of many swords, they often became composite as components were replaced to return them to serviceability. However these alterations done IN PERIOD, became part of the swords history itself and did not compromise its historic value. ....that is as far as historians go.
For collectors of course, it is different, as they seek unaltered, pristine condition examples as a rule, and follow various categorization ajendas.

I just wanted to better explain the reaction here, and emphasize the importance of the preservation of historic arms in situ as much as possible.

21st August 2024, 04:15 PM	#10
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,100	I regret I must say this, as I think Jacenty meant well, but this venerable old blade was NOT given new life, but placed in a false context with intent to convey a superficial appearance. For many years there has been a cottage industry of counterfeit Polish sabers being produced, as the proud heritage of Polish cavalry was much admired in the west (myself included as I was fascinated by the 'Winged Hussars'). Many gullible collectors were hoodwinked by often very convincing sabers, typically with old blades (like this one) matched with modern hilts following old styles and carefully 'aged' accordingly. More often they appeared 'cleaned and restored' which is why it is recommended on old swords to LEAVE THEM ALONE. I once bought a karabela with a hilt in this category, with a very old blade from India (probably 17thc) with wonderful old markings in Urdu and a trisula (which was purported to be a tulip, thus Ottoman). When I finally realized the blade was indeed a very old Indian tulwar blade, and realized the mismatch, I could no longer bear this travesty. As a weapon historian, I mourned the dismantling of the sword from which the blade was taken. So what I would say to those out there who simply want a pretty and shiny example of a historic form of sword, there are guys out there making very wonderful shiny reproductions. Actually these are well researched and made to pretty faithful standards. Leave the REAL historic items to us here, where we see dark old patination as literally history incarnate, which often helps is investigate the true history of the weapon at hand. It is true that during the working life of many swords, they often became composite as components were replaced to return them to serviceability. However these alterations done IN PERIOD, became part of the swords history itself and did not compromise its historic value. ....that is as far as historians go. For collectors of course, it is different, as they seek unaltered, pristine condition examples as a rule, and follow various categorization ajendas. I just wanted to better explain the reaction here, and emphasize the importance of the preservation of historic arms in situ as much as possible.