Hi Jim, thanks for your support.
I was also influenced by Ariel's assessment that the slanted quillons would mean an earlier specimen. I wish he would come back here to tell us more about this.
I understand that basically the decoration on one only side of the blade signifies that such swords are made for parade purposes, but the decoding of this specific motif could drive us to a different explanation, in a way as David sugests.
One thing is certain, in both cases, this one is right handed
Hi Jens, i see what you mean.
A decorated sword doesn't necessarily limit its use to ceremonies ... they may as well go into action.
I have already started some research on the decoration, but my resources are very limited and also my knowledge is not backgrounded enough to direct my search in an objective way. Nevertheless i am trying, despite my blindness on the subject.
Hi David, about the "seriousness" of this piece.
It feels well balanced, as far as i can tell when i hold it with my ( only ) left hand ... i don't have the same perception as when i had my dexterous one
It has functional characteristics, with a sharp bibevel (?) all along the cutting edge, except for the 5,5 cms.( over 2" ) ricasso.
Its thickness is 5,5 m/m ( 0,21" ) at the forte ... wouldn't pure parade blades be thinner?!
Its total length is 80 cms. ( 31 1/2" ) from the tip to the pommel button ... this to say that the point of balance is found aprox. 51 cms. ( 20" ) away from the tip.
The width being 38 m/m ( 1 1/2" ) at the forte widens 3 m/m at the curved section befores tapering towards the tip.
Its wight is 973 grams ( 2,16 pounds. ), which i would find 'too heavy' for a parade piece?!
Back to its feel and as a curiosity, i am posting pictures handing the sword. As the grip is rather short, i thaught i would hold it with the forefinger in front of the quillon, using the ricasso functionality. To have it pictured by both sides, i had to borrow my wife's right hand. She said she was busy, but i managed to convince her
.
Kind regards to all
fernando