A saber of unknown origin and age

Jim McDougall · 29th September 2021, 09:17 PM

Hi Robert,
Sorry to not have come in sooner. Im a bit surprised nobody has responded, but you have moved along pretty well with the research you've done.
The lion head was used on Continental swords as well, especially in Holland, which I thought this might be.
The flowing mane of course supports that it is a lion, not dog.

The three bar hilt was of course also quite well known on the Continent.
With the cartouche with name imbedded in the hilt, this is in my thought a very French affectation so need to look more into this.

Infantry did not carry swords except officers and sometimes the flank companies in some degree. Cavalry blades were typically 35-36" with the shorter blades of 29-33" usually officers sabers.

The blade form with raised yelman is termed 'quill point' and these were known on British swords in Napoleonic, but as you note, these became popular in Solingen blades after 1850s, which of course were supplied to Austria etc. as well as German states.

Possibly Wagner (1967) or some of the other references might have options. I will check later. Interesting sword!

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29th September 2021, 09:17 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,175	Hi Robert, Sorry to not have come in sooner. Im a bit surprised nobody has responded, but you have moved along pretty well with the research you've done. The lion head was used on Continental swords as well, especially in Holland, which I thought this might be. The flowing mane of course supports that it is a lion, not dog. The three bar hilt was of course also quite well known on the Continent. With the cartouche with name imbedded in the hilt, this is in my thought a very French affectation so need to look more into this. Infantry did not carry swords except officers and sometimes the flank companies in some degree. Cavalry blades were typically 35-36" with the shorter blades of 29-33" usually officers sabers. The blade form with raised yelman is termed 'quill point' and these were known on British swords in Napoleonic, but as you note, these became popular in Solingen blades after 1850s, which of course were supplied to Austria etc. as well as German states. Possibly Wagner (1967) or some of the other references might have options. I will check later. Interesting sword!