Unknown Short Sword Or Big Knife

Robert · 4th November 2007, 11:53 PM

I can't remember if I have ever posted this item before or not so if I have please remove this. This short sword or knife shows some age but I cannot place when or where it is from.

The blade has a 4-1/2" unsharpened false edge. The guard is either red brass or copper. The grip is horn and the fittings are brass. The tang goes all the way through the hilt and is riveted over. The scabbard is leather but missing the drag and the band at the throat with the retaining loop but still has the original frog. Any help in identifying where this is from and of what age it is will be greatly appreciated. Thanks for any help offered.

Blade length 13-1/8"
Blade at widest 1-3/8"
Blade at thickest 3/16"
Hilt length 4-3/4"

Robert

Chris Evans · 5th November 2007, 06:59 AM

Hi Robert,

Call me suspicious, but there is something not quite right with this knife. The condition and luster of the fittings is inconsistent with that of the blade and sheath.

Other than this I cannot help. Have you tried consulting Bernard Levine?

Cheers
Chris

Robert · 5th November 2007, 02:11 PM

Hi Chris,
I'm afraid that the way the fittings look is my fault. The fitting were quite dirty and starting to corrode when I found this knife so I cleaned them enough to remove most of the corrosion then waxed them. They are not as shinny as they look. Some of the shine is probably due to a combination of the wax and the flash on the camera when I took the pictures. If you look at the last picture you can still see some of the oxidation on the band going around the grip. I was trying not to over clean them. If I don't get any response here I will contact Mr Levine for his opinion. Thank you for input on this item.

katana · 5th November 2007, 06:25 PM

Hi Robert
it does look similar to a European hunting hanger .... but there is 'something' about it that seems SEA. Perhaps Dutch ?

Battara · 6th November 2007, 01:33 AM

It is not Filipino. I was originally thinking Mexican, high ranking officer.

Chris Evans · 6th November 2007, 02:31 AM

Hi Battara,

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

It is not Filipino. I was originally thinking Mexican, high ranking officer.

If Mexican, where would the local cutlers have obtained such a hefty piece of horn? I mean it looks more like that of water buffalo or similar than cattle. Also, how did they make the pommel and separator - Would they have had the means to? Of course, all of this could have been taken from another weapon. Or else, the complete piece was made in Europe. Just my thoughts.

Cheers
Chris

Robert · 6th November 2007, 01:34 AM

Hi Katana,
This is another one of the items that I have that I just have no idea on. It does have a SEA look to it but from where or when I have no clue. The scabbard is very similar in style and design to one on a tabak that I have. As far as Dutch so far I have not been able to find anything resembling this piece. Thank you your help and interest.

Robert

Robert · 6th November 2007, 01:51 AM

Hi Jose,
We must have been posting at the same time.

Mexico, I'll start looking in that direction. Do you have any idea of age for this item? Thank you again for all your help.

Robert

4th November 2007, 11:53 PM	#1
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Unknown Short Sword Or Big Knife I can't remember if I have ever posted this item before or not so if I have please remove this. This short sword or knife shows some age but I cannot place when or where it is from. The blade has a 4-1/2" unsharpened false edge. The guard is either red brass or copper. The grip is horn and the fittings are brass. The tang goes all the way through the hilt and is riveted over. The scabbard is leather but missing the drag and the band at the throat with the retaining loop but still has the original frog. Any help in identifying where this is from and of what age it is will be greatly appreciated. Thanks for any help offered. Blade length 13-1/8" Blade at widest 1-3/8" Blade at thickest 3/16" Hilt length 4-3/4" Robert Attached Images Last edited by Robert Coleman; 5th November 2007 at 01:59 AM.

5th November 2007, 06:59 AM	#2
Chris Evans Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 675	Hi Robert, Call me suspicious, but there is something not quite right with this knife. The condition and luster of the fittings is inconsistent with that of the blade and sheath. Other than this I cannot help. Have you tried consulting Bernard Levine? Cheers Chris

5th November 2007, 02:11 PM	#3
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Hi Chris, I'm afraid that the way the fittings look is my fault. The fitting were quite dirty and starting to corrode when I found this knife so I cleaned them enough to remove most of the corrosion then waxed them. They are not as shinny as they look. Some of the shine is probably due to a combination of the wax and the flash on the camera when I took the pictures. If you look at the last picture you can still see some of the oxidation on the band going around the grip. I was trying not to over clean them. If I don't get any response here I will contact Mr Levine for his opinion. Thank you for input on this item.

5th November 2007, 06:25 PM	#4
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	Hi Robert it does look similar to a European hunting hanger .... but there is 'something' about it that seems SEA. Perhaps Dutch ?

6th November 2007, 01:33 AM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,171	It is not Filipino. I was originally thinking Mexican, high ranking officer.

6th November 2007, 01:34 AM	#7
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Hi Katana, This is another one of the items that I have that I just have no idea on. It does have a SEA look to it but from where or when I have no clue. The scabbard is very similar in style and design to one on a tabak that I have. As far as Dutch so far I have not been able to find anything resembling this piece. Thank you your help and interest. Robert

6th November 2007, 01:51 AM	#8
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Hi Jose, We must have been posting at the same time. Mexico, I'll start looking in that direction. Do you have any idea of age for this item? Thank you again for all your help. Robert