what is this and where it comes from

Kubur · 5th April 2016, 09:48 AM

Hi,

This sword was sold recently.
It looks like an early touristic object.
But the blade is good and the guard is really well done.
It's a short sword with a full brass hilt.
Any idea??? Syrian, Arab, Turkish?
19th or 20th c.??

Best,
Kubur

mariusgmioc · 5th April 2016, 10:44 AM

Uncharacteristic sabre blade with a Saif hilt, thus I would consider it a SAIF.

In my opinion it would be extremely dificult to pinpoint the specific origin of this sword. My guess would be an Indian blade mounted somewhere in the Arabian Peninsula (maybe Damascus).

But I am merely speculating.

Kubur · 5th April 2016, 12:20 PM

Thank you Marius
But the trophies on the guard are VERY Ottoman.
Is it possible that it's simply a touristic sword made in Syria or Turkey?
But if it's touristic, it's really well made...

mariusgmioc · 5th April 2016, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kubur

Thank you Marius
But the trophies on the guard are VERY Ottoman.
Is it possible that it's simply a touristic sword made in Syria or Turkey?
But if it's touristic, it's really well made...

I would have some reservations calling it "touristic." How many tourists do you think will go all the way to Turkey/Syria/Arabia generally, just to buy a "touristic" sword?! More likely it was made for the local market, albeit not for the higher end of it.

Regarding the "trophies" on the hilt, I don't think they are very relevant since the hilt itself is not very Turkish. But I'm again speculating.

Let's hope there are more knowledgeable people who can shed more light on this one.

PS: It appears the blade was etched to give it a grayish-old appearance.

Battara · 5th April 2016, 04:29 PM

The hilt looks very Syrian to me, which was part of the Ottoman Empire.

digenis · 5th April 2016, 07:51 PM

Does the blade have an edge on it? I reminds me somewhat of swords made for Masonic ceremonies ("light of the orient", etc). Some of these swords were made fairly well.

5th April 2016, 09:48 AM	#1
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	what is this and where it comes from Hi, This sword was sold recently. It looks like an early touristic object. But the blade is good and the guard is really well done. It's a short sword with a full brass hilt. Any idea??? Syrian, Arab, Turkish? 19th or 20th c.?? Best, Kubur Attached Images

5th April 2016, 10:44 AM	#2
mariusgmioc Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Austria Posts: 1,903	Uncharacteristic sabre blade with a Saif hilt, thus I would consider it a SAIF. In my opinion it would be extremely dificult to pinpoint the specific origin of this sword. My guess would be an Indian blade mounted somewhere in the Arabian Peninsula (maybe Damascus). But I am merely speculating.

5th April 2016, 12:20 PM	#3
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	Thank you Marius But the trophies on the guard are VERY Ottoman. Is it possible that it's simply a touristic sword made in Syria or Turkey? But if it's touristic, it's really well made...

5th April 2016, 04:29 PM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,220	The hilt looks very Syrian to me, which was part of the Ottoman Empire.

5th April 2016, 07:51 PM	#6
digenis Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 48	Does the blade have an edge on it? I reminds me somewhat of swords made for Masonic ceremonies ("light of the orient", etc). Some of these swords were made fairly well.