An Unusual Ethiopian Short Sword

derek · 24th March 2005, 04:17 PM

Guys,

I picked this up recently from a friend in NZ. It had been in a local Antique shop there and he knew I was interested in Abyssinian blades. So, now it resides in the hills of east TN.

It's about 2 feet long, the blade has a faint gilded color, and the scabbard and coins seem to be plated. The plating is chipped in a few places, especially evident on one coin.

The coins are silver Birrs from Abyssinia, one is 1898 with Menelik's face. They have both been drilled through to make the ends of the horn grip. The rings in the grip do not appear to be aluminum and are probably silver.

Overall, it's a pretty nicely done piece, and it's consistent with the look of Abyssinian weapons, but I'm a little confused about the fact that someone drill their monarch's face twice mounted it to a sword. Usually the coins seen on Abyssinian swords are repros of a much older european coin from the 1700's. Would it not have been considered bad to punch holes in your ruler's (or past ruler's) likeness?

24th March 2005, 04:17 PM	#1
derek Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 215	An Unusual Ethiopian Short Sword Guys, I picked this up recently from a friend in NZ. It had been in a local Antique shop there and he knew I was interested in Abyssinian blades. So, now it resides in the hills of east TN. It's about 2 feet long, the blade has a faint gilded color, and the scabbard and coins seem to be plated. The plating is chipped in a few places, especially evident on one coin. The coins are silver Birrs from Abyssinia, one is 1898 with Menelik's face. They have both been drilled through to make the ends of the horn grip. The rings in the grip do not appear to be aluminum and are probably silver. Overall, it's a pretty nicely done piece, and it's consistent with the look of Abyssinian weapons, but I'm a little confused about the fact that someone drill their monarch's face twice mounted it to a sword. Usually the coins seen on Abyssinian swords are repros of a much older european coin from the 1700's. Would it not have been considered bad to punch holes in your ruler's (or past ruler's) likeness?