Chimera sword??

shayde78 · 17th August 2022, 03:37 AM

This thing intrigues me. The blade seems South Asian (khanda-like). The brass guard...I feel like I've seen something like it before, but I'm not sure where. North African context, maybe?
The blesbuck horn hilt could be Africa, but also used in India (Fakir's horns).
Only the most distal few inches are sharpened. The file work on the blade makes no sense, but might have some significance.
Overall, I'm stumped. It reminds me of some elements I've seen before, but nothing I can find to reference.

I'm sure someone here recognizes it (even if to inform me it is a fantasy ethnographic mash-up).

Thanks!

mahratt · 17th August 2022, 06:22 AM

Hello.

I think this is a chimera, most likely made in Europe for a European - "lover of the exotic".

Bob A · 18th August 2022, 06:03 PM

I agree with Mahratt; it's a fantasy sword.

Jim McDougall · 20th August 2022, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob A

I agree with Mahratt; it's a fantasy sword.

I kinda like the 'chimera' term! Kinda rings right up there with SCIMITAR!

shayde78 · 20th August 2022, 02:24 AM

Thanks everyone! Not surprising, but I was still intrigued enough to purchase it. Like I said, the guard seems like it is off something I just can't place. And the blade - absolutely no martial logic to its design, but it is amazingly well executed. Almost as if it were a sample blade to demonstrate different features that could be applied. I.e., here is some file work we could apply to your blade. Here are embellishment to the ricasso. Etc. The grinds are clean, the bevels even, the blade as a whole seems well forged. Maybe an apprentice's final exam

Anyway, thanks again! Always a pleasure

Jim McDougall · 20th August 2022, 02:48 AM

In India, during the Raj, at durbars especially those of significant note, there were local armorers and artisans who created all manner of innovative weapons to showcase their skills or simply to offer unusual items. Many of the weapons are of course the traditional forms, but these kinds of items were unusual enough to attract attention.

It is hard to say how old this assembly is, but the use of a horn of the type seen on fakirs weapons, along with a blade which resembles the Indian blades somewhat of 'pattisa' form suggests something from India of course.
The brass guard and scribed quillon terminals adds European element.

Regardless of how modern, this seems an example of the tradition of edged weapon curiosa which prevailed through the Indian Raj in displays of the work of various makers.
Whether it is of that vintage and character is indeed a 'chimera', but intriguing just the same.

ausjulius · 27th August 2022, 08:18 AM

it is from morocco..colonial period tourist item..

shayde78 · 1st September 2022, 03:06 AM

Thanks so much to everyone for the comments and insights. I didn't think this piece would generate such discussion. Colonial Moroccan for tourists wanting an air of the exotic does make sense. Found in a shop in France in 20th century supports the Moroccan origin.
All the feedback is much appreciated!
-Rob

17th August 2022, 03:37 AM	#1
shayde78 Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 445	Chimera sword?? This thing intrigues me. The blade seems South Asian (khanda-like). The brass guard...I feel like I've seen something like it before, but I'm not sure where. North African context, maybe? The blesbuck horn hilt could be Africa, but also used in India (Fakir's horns). Only the most distal few inches are sharpened. The file work on the blade makes no sense, but might have some significance. Overall, I'm stumped. It reminds me of some elements I've seen before, but nothing I can find to reference. I'm sure someone here recognizes it (even if to inform me it is a fantasy ethnographic mash-up). Thanks! Attached Images

17th August 2022, 06:22 AM	#2
mahratt Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Russia Posts: 1,042	Hello. I think this is a chimera, most likely made in Europe for a European - "lover of the exotic".

18th August 2022, 06:03 PM	#3
Bob A Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 427	I agree with Mahratt; it's a fantasy sword.

20th August 2022, 02:24 AM	#5
shayde78 Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 445	Thanks everyone! Not surprising, but I was still intrigued enough to purchase it. Like I said, the guard seems like it is off something I just can't place. And the blade - absolutely no martial logic to its design, but it is amazingly well executed. Almost as if it were a sample blade to demonstrate different features that could be applied. I.e., here is some file work we could apply to your blade. Here are embellishment to the ricasso. Etc. The grinds are clean, the bevels even, the blade as a whole seems well forged. Maybe an apprentice's final exam Anyway, thanks again! Always a pleasure

20th August 2022, 02:48 AM	#6
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,946	In India, during the Raj, at durbars especially those of significant note, there were local armorers and artisans who created all manner of innovative weapons to showcase their skills or simply to offer unusual items. Many of the weapons are of course the traditional forms, but these kinds of items were unusual enough to attract attention. It is hard to say how old this assembly is, but the use of a horn of the type seen on fakirs weapons, along with a blade which resembles the Indian blades somewhat of 'pattisa' form suggests something from India of course. The brass guard and scribed quillon terminals adds European element. Regardless of how modern, this seems an example of the tradition of edged weapon curiosa which prevailed through the Indian Raj in displays of the work of various makers. Whether it is of that vintage and character is indeed a 'chimera', but intriguing just the same.

27th August 2022, 08:18 AM	#7
ausjulius Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: musorian territory Posts: 424	it is from morocco..colonial period tourist item..

1st September 2022, 03:06 AM	#8
shayde78 Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 445	Thanks so much to everyone for the comments and insights. I didn't think this piece would generate such discussion. Colonial Moroccan for tourists wanting an air of the exotic does make sense. Found in a shop in France in 20th century supports the Moroccan origin. All the feedback is much appreciated! -Rob