European 'yataghans'

[Jim McDougall]

The best thing about our forums is the phenomenal material, examples and discussions over these many years, and that our archives have become a treasure trove for research.
I always enjoy seeing old threads revived with new material and examples.

In this case, on Ethnographic, a group of swords were posted in 2012 by 'Longfellow', with one described as a 'yataghan' with unusual inscriptions on the blade presumed to be Turkish.

In fact, this curious sword, though distinctly with recurved 'yataghan' type blade was actually a European example made in 'Oriental' style, probably in late 18th century. The inscriptions on the blade were also in Oriental fashion, but with content similar to European blades of 18th c. with curious 'magical' and occult symbolism. There was a style of this type decoration known as 'Caissagnard' (spelling?) from Nantes, France which characterized much of this.

In 2012's thread, it was properly noted that these 'exotic ' swords were actually European, and derive from the Balkan forces in service to Austria known as Pandours. These auxiliary forces were primarily used in various functions, mostly skirmishing and reconnaissance. They however became renegade with looting etc. and were disbanded.

They were known for wearing Oriental fashion and using weapons in these exotic forms, much in the manner East European cavalry adopted Turkish style weapons. These pandour forces were much feared and that notable effect was not lost to the European armies later, escpecially the French.

They established flamboyant cavalry units based on the Pandours and the exotic uniforms and regalia including weapons, including presumably these 'yataghan' style swords.

The sword at top in this group is the one discussed, the other two are center a kaskara, bottom, probably theatrical.
Other images of the types of inscriptions on the blade illustrate the styles of 'Oriental' theme noted.