help on a strange sword , translation on arab inscription ...

Iain · 13th December 2013, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BerberDagger

thanks at all fo opinion ... I would made a precisation:
I known this sword is not period , I ve a large collection of genuine viking and medieval swords olso with museum provenence so i m not a stupid collector ! I dont search people who tell me that this sword is antique!!!

I don't anyone had suggested you were somehow a "stupid collector".

Quote:

only i would find a catalogue description for it .... i dont see chinese manner in pommel and guard more european victorian but i m open to change idea if all the ideas of collectors suggest chinese offer me images and documentation abaut...

thank you

My opinion would be a Victorian period decorative piece.

Jim McDougall · 13th December 2013, 05:38 PM

I very much agree with most all of the excellent observations that have been posted here. Berber, I believe it has long been established that you are a well seasoned collector with considerable experience so completely unnecessary to assert that in response to the opinions you have solicited.

As has been well pointed out, this example seems clearly to be an 'interpretive' production which does seem to hold composite influences.
It is important to note that medieval swords typically have iron/steel hilts, not brass (and this as already observed, has rather crudely executed casting).
I would concur with the latter 19th, early 20th period suggestions, but feel this more likely to be a theatrical item. With these the brass is not only easier to produce stylized hilts, but they lend well to appearance in accord with the often romanticized glint of early swords in the literature.

I think observations are well placed and the resemblances to Chinese and Spanish swords, though subtle, do reflect the desire to bring in exotic and chivalric elements to carry out the obviously intended appearance.

In my view, most Victorian period pieces intended for decorating parlors and smoking rooms etc. were actually remarkably authentic reproductions, far from these theatrical props. I would note also that while to many, such theatrical items of the 19th century and other periods have gained considerable traction as collectibles, much in the manner of Masonic arms and regalia which now have their own unique place in collecting.

13th December 2013, 05:38 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,531	I very much agree with most all of the excellent observations that have been posted here. Berber, I believe it has long been established that you are a well seasoned collector with considerable experience so completely unnecessary to assert that in response to the opinions you have solicited. As has been well pointed out, this example seems clearly to be an 'interpretive' production which does seem to hold composite influences. It is important to note that medieval swords typically have iron/steel hilts, not brass (and this as already observed, has rather crudely executed casting). I would concur with the latter 19th, early 20th period suggestions, but feel this more likely to be a theatrical item. With these the brass is not only easier to produce stylized hilts, but they lend well to appearance in accord with the often romanticized glint of early swords in the literature. I think observations are well placed and the resemblances to Chinese and Spanish swords, though subtle, do reflect the desire to bring in exotic and chivalric elements to carry out the obviously intended appearance. In my view, most Victorian period pieces intended for decorating parlors and smoking rooms etc. were actually remarkably authentic reproductions, far from these theatrical props. I would note also that while to many, such theatrical items of the 19th century and other periods have gained considerable traction as collectibles, much in the manner of Masonic arms and regalia which now have their own unique place in collecting.