Ethnographic Arms & Armour
 

Go Back   Ethnographic Arms & Armour > Discussion Forums > Ethnographic Weapons
FAQ Calendar Today's Posts Search

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 22nd June 2011, 03:09 PM   #1
Dmitry
Member
 
Dmitry's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 607
Default Has anyone seen anything similar to this sword?

I've only spent a couple of minutes looking at this sword, and the blade initially reminded me of nimchas, because of its smaller size and abrupt curvature. The script looked amharic, but an expert collector of Ethiopian swords confirmed that it wasn't. The hilt also steered me towards the realm of Islam - the Hamsa Hand, but it doesn't really look like other representations of it.
The script could be just a collection talismanic symbols. Unfortunately the photo of what appears to be a winged figure came out blurry.
Attached Images
   
Dmitry is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22nd June 2011, 03:16 PM   #2
Gavin Nugent
Member
 
Gavin Nugent's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,818
Default nice

A very nice and unusual piece.

I get the feel it might be Hungarian and I do believe you are correct in your assessment of the hand, I too would say it is the hand of Fatima.

I look forward to other assessments.

Gav
Gavin Nugent is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22nd June 2011, 03:41 PM   #3
ALEX
Member
 
ALEX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 936
Default

Tha hand looks more Asian then Islamic. Perhaps Indonesian or Indian...Hand of Buddha???
ALEX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22nd June 2011, 04:14 PM   #4
Gavin Nugent
Member
 
Gavin Nugent's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,818
Default

Interesting to note the back of the hand is covered in flames while the palm is not. The guard shows vine leaves and grapes. Also there seems to be an angel with a sun above it to one side, the reverse seems to be a parasol with ?fire? under it???

These references might help with some leads....bed time for me, I look forward to seeing whats here in the morning.....Jim's going to love this one!!

Gav
Gavin Nugent is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22nd June 2011, 04:35 PM   #5
Dmitry
Member
 
Dmitry's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 607
Default

Here's another photo of the front of the blade. Note the crown underneath the umbrella. I am really angry with myself for not taking a better photo of the figure on the other side of the blade.
The sword belongs to the Higgins Armory Museum, and I'm trying to help the curator properly ID it for the exhibition they'll be opening up soon.
Attached Images
 

Last edited by Dmitry; 22nd June 2011 at 04:46 PM.
Dmitry is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22nd June 2011, 06:16 PM   #6
RSWORD
Member
 
RSWORD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Greensboro, NC
Posts: 1,083
Default

The blade looks Indian to my eyes and do I see an Indian parasol mark?
RSWORD is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22nd June 2011, 11:50 PM   #7
napoleon
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 88
Default the hand sword

i think the script is possibly a form of cyrillic.to me it says eastern europe,does it have a scabbard,and if so is it in the form of a sleeve regards napoleon
napoleon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23rd June 2011, 12:03 AM   #8
napoleon
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 88
Default hand sword

in fact i think it could be seen as an ultimatum, in as much it could be viewed as the hand of peace or the hand of fire.i dont think it to be the hand of fatima.and i feel sure it is a very special piece,but europe im sure regards napoleon
napoleon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23rd June 2011, 02:36 AM   #9
Redjack
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 1
Default

The script seems to be cyrillic. Anyone with a knowledge of Russian should decipher it. When the sword is held, is it comfortable to wield?, or does it seem purely ornamental or ceremonial?
Redjack is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:20 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Posts are regarded as being copyrighted by their authors and the act of posting material is deemed to be a granting of an irrevocable nonexclusive license for display here.