European(?) Hunting(?) Whatsit

[Jim McDougall]

In looking further into 'Evans' book, this same style hilt is seen on #181, and in p.93 it is noted that "...this style of Austrian bayonet formed the basis for the 'pandour' plug bayonets of the 1740's and 50's".
Apparantly the 'pandour' affectation diffused well outside its origins in the Austro-Hungarian Empire in those times and the fearsome reputation of these auxiliary and often outlaw units caught the attention of some of the armies who confronted them.
The French were deeply impressed by these units, as were Germans, and the 'pandour' phenomenon caused the implementation of similar styled units in the French army, as well as the 'Frei korps' in the German.

The word 'Turke'* is in my opinion most likely a stylized reference to the oriental fashioning of these units, and probably applied to the blade as a reference to this, and 'lames' possibly suggesting a style of blade.
The evidence of bluing suggests to me latter 18th century, the 'pandour' point as noted earlier a 'style' (see Seifert reference), and in all, quite possibly a weapon for a French officer.

Evans (p.94) notes that the popularity of these weapons prompted thier manufacture not only in Solingen, but other centers such as Passau, and Suhl. It does not seem unlikely that with the French word 'lames' this might have been produced either in French regions or in Solingen for the French market. The shellguard seems predominantly German.

* In Scotland, the basket hilts with curved blades were termed 'turcael' referring to the curved blades of the Turks, and noting the style.

Radleigh, this piece is truly a conquest!!!

In admiration!!
Jim