ETHIOPIAN, ANYONE?

roanoa · 3rd October 2006, 03:43 PM

Hi guys. As you must know by now, I am interested in Ethiopian weapons. I would like to know how many of you share this interest, even marginally, and how many of you actually have Ethiopian weapons. Hope I'll get some response. Cheers, RON

CharlesS · 3rd October 2006, 03:52 PM

I'm in Ron...even love the food too...but you already knew that.

Flavio · 3rd October 2006, 03:57 PM

Me too, as you know

Lew · 3rd October 2006, 04:03 PM

Count me in!

Lew

Tim Simmons · 3rd October 2006, 05:23 PM

How could you not be?

ariel · 3rd October 2006, 05:58 PM

I like Gurades, but not food.... Sorry.
Read the most recent Flashman's adventure" Flashman on the March": British Magdala campain.

Michael Blalock · 3rd October 2006, 07:52 PM

I like the women moslty but the weapons are nice too.

katana · 3rd October 2006, 08:22 PM

Rich history......and some very nice weapons......

Nagawarrior · 3rd October 2006, 09:05 PM

Definitely find the weapons interesting. Going to have to try the food.

Jeff D · 4th October 2006, 12:03 AM

Count me in Ron! I don't have any in my collection though, someone out here seems to be getting them all first

.

Jeff

roanoa · 4th October 2006, 12:57 AM

Hi, guys. I'm happy to see some interest. I am sure there still are some guys out there that will join the team. I plan to share with you some of my best pieces (maybe one a week). I would be glad to shatre some food as well .... (Derho Wat is my favourite. SUPER hot!). At least one of you has mentioned the women. They are as fascinating as their swords and as spicy as their food. Cheers, RON

roanoa · 4th October 2006, 02:17 AM

Here is the first "gem" from my collection. A great Amhara shield of heavy leather, velvet and gilded decorations. I have showed you mine: show me yours!! Selamta. Ron

TVV · 4th October 2006, 03:04 AM

Marginal interest in the weapons, especially saifs and gurades. Haven't tried the food, and maybe I should.

Lew · 4th October 2006, 03:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roanoa

Here is the first "gem" from my collection. A great Amhara shield of heavy leather, velvet and gilded decorations. I have showed you mine: show me yours!! Selamta. Ron

roanoa

Here is one of mine a sword not a shield though.

Lew

Bill M · 4th October 2006, 01:09 PM

The the weapons and the religious artifacts are really neat. I have some swords with good german blades. One with a hilt that may be translucent rhino horn. Menelik period.

They even claim to have the Ark of the Covenant somewhere.

I really like the prayer scrolls / talismans.

Here is an Etiopean curiosity. About 4 inches long. Some kind of silver, probably low grade.

Any guesses? If you already know for sure, please hold off posting the answer. I think it would be fun to hear some guesses.

spiral · 4th October 2006, 02:36 PM

Coke spoon if modern or ear cleaner if old?

Spiral

roanoa · 4th October 2006, 03:15 PM

Hi Bill. SPIRAL nailed it! Post your swords, PLEASE.

Bill M · 4th October 2006, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiral

Coke spoon if modern or ear cleaner if old?

Spiral

Aww, Spiral, You gave it away! I was hoping for some off-the-wall guesses!

Lew · 4th October 2006, 09:28 PM

My guess is a snuff spoon I always see the African snuff containers on ebay.

Lew

Tim Simmons · 4th October 2006, 09:38 PM

The weapons I have are far from noteworthy but this is. I have not had confirmation that it is Ethiopian but i think it is. I also have a rather nice painting on vellum. I wander off subject. This might be the container for the coke.

Bill M · 5th October 2006, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

The weapons I have are far from noteworthy but this is. I have not had confirmation that it is Ethiopian but i think it is. I also have a rather nice painting on vellum. I wander off subject. This might be the container for the coke.

Looks like a one time use lunchbox!

Bill M · 5th October 2006, 02:36 AM

I made a mistake in posting. I mant to REPLY and somehow got NEW THREAD. submitted it and then found out that I was wrong, but there seemed no way to put in in your thread. So here is a link.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=3282

I have more Ethiopian swords and stuff and will post them here in the right thread.

spiral · 5th October 2006, 06:26 PM

Its a coke spoon then Bill?

I thought an ear wax collector was quite of the wall!

Spiral

Bill M · 5th October 2006, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiral

Its a coke spoon then Bill?

I thought an ear wax collector was quite of the wall!

Spiral

It IS an ear wax collector! Did you just guess? That is really impressive!

spiral · 6th October 2006, 09:45 PM

Sorry Bill just teasing,

You see similar tools in some kukri pouches.

So semi-educated guess realy.

Spiral

roanoa · 7th October 2006, 12:25 AM

OK, guys. Here is a selection of some European gurade grips and a couple of local imitation. The plain pommel (seen lots of these) has the Lion of Judah and the initial of Menelik on the lanquettes. The "Lion head" (lots of these also) has plain lanquette. The second "lion head" has a more elaborate design and the Lion of Judah on one of the lanquettes, the other one is plain. (Only seen two of these). The fourth one (unique) was copied/imitated in German silver by a local smith. Both lanquettes have the Lion of Judah. Last (also unique) is a gilded, locally made high quality one. Blade is a very nice Wilkinson. Both lanquettes have angels. Can any of you add to this?

Nagawarrior · 7th October 2006, 04:11 AM

Didn't have a chance to show the examples I have of Ethiopian weapons in my earlier post. At least I'm pretty sure the shields are right.

roanoa · 7th October 2006, 06:28 AM

I can see your interest spans from Morocco to Somalia.... Nice gurade and shuields. Even nicer billao.

Bill M · 8th October 2006, 01:03 AM

I saw Ron's posting of the Guades and though I might post this one.

Did a little blade cleanup with 600 grit and 1500 grit sandpaper.

Sure would like to have a translation. I am sure that I will post these upside down. Have no ida about which way is corrrect, but everytime I ask for a translation, its upside down.

Does the GG and thermometer on the blade mean some sword manufacturer like Solingen?

Anyway here it is.

roanoa · 8th October 2006, 02:42 AM

The first word on the blade is MENELIK (Emperor of Ethiopia before Haile Selassie) and you have it upside down. Ethiopian sentences (in this case it's just a word) end with 4 dots as in the second inscription which is SAINT GEORGE (protector of Ethiopia). The writing on the ricasso is a bit of a puzzle because it says NIKOLA SUPPLIER TO THE EMPEROR and I have no idea of who this NIKOLA was. Maybe one of the many Armenian traders that supplied European goods to Ethiopia. The GG has generated a flurry of interpretations. Someone has suggested GRENAL of GLASGOW (doubt it...) or GEBRUDER GRAH (doubt it...). Jeff Demetrick and I had a discussion about this and we agree that in all likelyhood is GESETZLICH GESCHUETZT (ofter referred to as GES GESH) which I believe means REGISTERD MARK. I actually documented a sword that under the Lion of Judah has the words GES GESH. Jeff also identified the thermometer, but I have to dig out that info. Jeff: help!!

3rd October 2006, 03:43 PM	#1
roanoa Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 233	ETHIOPIAN, ANYONE? Hi guys. As you must know by now, I am interested in Ethiopian weapons. I would like to know how many of you share this interest, even marginally, and how many of you actually have Ethiopian weapons. Hope I'll get some response. Cheers, RON

4th October 2006, 02:17 AM	#12
roanoa Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 233	Here is the first "gem" from my collection. A great Amhara shield of heavy leather, velvet and gilded decorations. I have showed you mine: show me yours!! Selamta. Ron Attached Images

4th October 2006, 01:09 PM	#15
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	I really like Ethiopian pieces! The the weapons and the religious artifacts are really neat. I have some swords with good german blades. One with a hilt that may be translucent rhino horn. Menelik period. They even claim to have the Ark of the Covenant somewhere. I really like the prayer scrolls / talismans. Here is an Etiopean curiosity. About 4 inches long. Some kind of silver, probably low grade. Any guesses? If you already know for sure, please hold off posting the answer. I think it would be fun to hear some guesses. Attached Images

7th October 2006, 12:25 AM	#26
roanoa Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 233	OK, guys. Here is a selection of some European gurade grips and a couple of local imitation. The plain pommel (seen lots of these) has the Lion of Judah and the initial of Menelik on the lanquettes. The "Lion head" (lots of these also) has plain lanquette. The second "lion head" has a more elaborate design and the Lion of Judah on one of the lanquettes, the other one is plain. (Only seen two of these). The fourth one (unique) was copied/imitated in German silver by a local smith. Both lanquettes have the Lion of Judah. Last (also unique) is a gilded, locally made high quality one. Blade is a very nice Wilkinson. Both lanquettes have angels. Can any of you add to this? Attached Images

8th October 2006, 01:03 AM	#29
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	gurade I saw Ron's posting of the Guades and though I might post this one. Did a little blade cleanup with 600 grit and 1500 grit sandpaper. Sure would like to have a translation. I am sure that I will post these upside down. Have no ida about which way is corrrect, but everytime I ask for a translation, its upside down. Does the GG and thermometer on the blade mean some sword manufacturer like Solingen? Anyway here it is. Attached Images

3rd October 2006, 03:52 PM	#2
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	I'm in Ron...even love the food too...but you already knew that.

3rd October 2006, 03:57 PM	#3
Flavio Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Italia Posts: 1,243	Me too, as you know

3rd October 2006, 04:03 PM	#4
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	Count me in! Lew

3rd October 2006, 05:23 PM	#5
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,806	How could you not be?

3rd October 2006, 05:58 PM	#6
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	I like Gurades, but not food.... Sorry. Read the most recent Flashman's adventure" Flashman on the March": British Magdala campain.

3rd October 2006, 07:52 PM	#7
Michael Blalock Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: dc Posts: 271	I like the women moslty but the weapons are nice too.

3rd October 2006, 08:22 PM	#8
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	Rich history......and some very nice weapons......

3rd October 2006, 09:05 PM	#9
Nagawarrior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Inland Empire, Southern California USA Posts: 160	Definitely find the weapons interesting. Going to have to try the food.

4th October 2006, 12:03 AM	#10
Jeff D Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 473	Count me in Ron! I don't have any in my collection though, someone out here seems to be getting them all first . Jeff

4th October 2006, 12:57 AM	#11
roanoa Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 233	Hi, guys. I'm happy to see some interest. I am sure there still are some guys out there that will join the team. I plan to share with you some of my best pieces (maybe one a week). I would be glad to shatre some food as well .... (Derho Wat is my favourite. SUPER hot!). At least one of you has mentioned the women. They are as fascinating as their swords and as spicy as their food. Cheers, RON

4th October 2006, 03:04 AM	#13
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,620	Marginal interest in the weapons, especially saifs and gurades. Haven't tried the food, and maybe I should.

4th October 2006, 02:36 PM	#16
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	Coke spoon if modern or ear cleaner if old? Spiral

4th October 2006, 03:15 PM	#17
roanoa Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 233	Hi Bill. SPIRAL nailed it! Post your swords, PLEASE.

4th October 2006, 09:28 PM	#19
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	My guess is a snuff spoon I always see the African snuff containers on ebay. Lew

4th October 2006, 09:38 PM	#20
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,806	The weapons I have are far from noteworthy but this is. I have not had confirmation that it is Ethiopian but i think it is. I also have a rather nice painting on vellum. I wander off subject. This might be the container for the coke.

5th October 2006, 02:36 AM	#22
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	I made a mistake in posting. I mant to REPLY and somehow got NEW THREAD. submitted it and then found out that I was wrong, but there seemed no way to put in in your thread. So here is a link. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=3282 I have more Ethiopian swords and stuff and will post them here in the right thread.

5th October 2006, 06:26 PM	#23
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	Its a coke spoon then Bill? I thought an ear wax collector was quite of the wall! Spiral

6th October 2006, 09:45 PM	#25
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	Sorry Bill just teasing, You see similar tools in some kukri pouches. So semi-educated guess realy. Spiral

7th October 2006, 04:11 AM	#27
Nagawarrior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Inland Empire, Southern California USA Posts: 160	Didn't have a chance to show the examples I have of Ethiopian weapons in my earlier post. At least I'm pretty sure the shields are right.

7th October 2006, 06:28 AM	#28
roanoa Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 233	I can see your interest spans from Morocco to Somalia.... Nice gurade and shuields. Even nicer billao.

8th October 2006, 02:42 AM	#30
roanoa Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 233	The first word on the blade is MENELIK (Emperor of Ethiopia before Haile Selassie) and you have it upside down. Ethiopian sentences (in this case it's just a word) end with 4 dots as in the second inscription which is SAINT GEORGE (protector of Ethiopia). The writing on the ricasso is a bit of a puzzle because it says NIKOLA SUPPLIER TO THE EMPEROR and I have no idea of who this NIKOLA was. Maybe one of the many Armenian traders that supplied European goods to Ethiopia. The GG has generated a flurry of interpretations. Someone has suggested GRENAL of GLASGOW (doubt it...) or GEBRUDER GRAH (doubt it...). Jeff Demetrick and I had a discussion about this and we agree that in all likelyhood is GESETZLICH GESCHUETZT (ofter referred to as GES GESH) which I believe means REGISTERD MARK. I actually documented a sword that under the Lion of Judah has the words GES GESH. Jeff also identified the thermometer, but I have to dig out that info. Jeff: help!!