In rereading awdaniec666 thread (previously linked) I wanted to note that his resounding work toward a better understanding of the KARABELA sabers which were well known developing in 17th century Poland is brilliantly written, researched and thought out.
I would also point out that he responsibly posted a disclaimer, as most reliable authors do, that much of what is written is of course subject to revision as research is always evolving. In fact most authors encourage further research and rebuttal. noting their own responsibly for any errors.
Discussion is not meant to be a narrow, one sided interaction, but an open discourse where examples, material, ideas are shared toward the subject at hand. In most research I have experienced, important clues have surfaced from often unrelated or barely similar examples.
It is most unfortunate when efforts of anyone participating in a discussion are discounted abrasively as seen here. In the derisive comment about the alleged downturn of our forum in the 'past 10-15 years', I am curious on that assessment from someone who has only participated in the last 2 years.
Getting to the subject matter here, I would point out that the hilt here only superficially resembles a karabela hilt, so as not 'exact' it is not a karabela
There can be no variation, it must be exact to be properly classified. It is obviously an interpretation made to resemble these hilts. The rosettes are notably crude.
The comments on the blade are most interesting, as this EUROPEAN blade stated most likely German vs. Italian (North Italy and South Germany were obviously closely paralleled) and PREDATES the 'karabela'in Poland (17th c.).
So may I ask to see images, examples, references (worthy only) which show German 'shamshir TYPE' blades of 16th century, or Italian versions which might also contend.
The term KARABELA has been 'married' into the lexicon of the Polish people for a very long time (as well explained in the thread noted) and in MANY references on arms referred to as the 'national' sword as it is so highly regarded in its traditional form. The Polish people are quite proud of these.
Pictured is a karabela with the 'exact' hilt shape.
Looking forward to seeing blades like the one on the sword in original post of pre 17th c. German origin.