Unusual takouba

CharlesS · 23rd May 2015, 10:01 PM

Thanks for posting Iain. I never cease to be amazed where these European blades end up. There must have been quite a market for them in the day!

Iain · 24th May 2015, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

Thanks for posting Iain. I never cease to be amazed where these European blades end up. There must have been quite a market for them in the day!

Thanks Charles, as Jim notes this one might be Indian, but for me that's not a downside, if anything it makes it more interesting as it shows an even more extended network of blade trading.

CharlesS · 24th May 2015, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iain

Thanks Charles, as Jim notes this one might be Indian, but for me that's not a downside, if anything it makes it more interesting as it shows an even more extended network of blade trading.

I couldn't agree more Iain. If it is, indeed, an Indian blade, then all the more interesting.

Martin Lubojacky · 25th May 2015, 07:57 PM

Dear Iain,
This applied takoubalogy magnetizes me more end more ... Congartulations to the sword
Martin

Jim McDougall · 25th May 2015, 09:56 PM

Iain,
In checking through Briggs (1965, JAAS, Vol.V) I found this type hilt shown in his plate X(a). In the description of the sword there is virtually no note to this unusual style hilt with this loop extension, with most of the attention to the blade (one of the 'Spanish motto' type trade blades).
What seems significant is that this example also has the sandwiched section extending the blade, and somewhat similar style engraving.

He notes that the example is depicted in Balout & Gast (1958, pl. II) and then returns to discussion of another example of the 'motto' being seen on another blade.

It would be interesting to recheck the Briggs and example he notes from 1958 to see if the hilt anomaly might have some presence in whatever area it might be attributed to.

As mentioned, 'takoubology' is indeed fascinating as one of the specific fields of arms study which is remarkably esoteric, or 'nebulous' as Briggs describes. We are not just studying the history of the weapons....the weapons ARE the history.

Iain · 26th May 2015, 11:19 AM

Thanks Martin,

I like this word "takoubology" and think I will start using it more!

Jim,

Great catch! I forgot about that sword! I'm attaching an image here for thread readers. You are certainly right about it being worthwhile to revisit sources.

I have ordered the French book mentioned by Briggs. I would guess these are then from the Hoggar Tuareg as the French source focuses on objects from this region. Hopefully I can confirm once the book arrives.

A great point on the weapons themselves being the history. This is something that I always try to explain as the motivating factor for my very narrow field of collecting. The interesting thing for me, is that far from becoming more narrow over the years, the nature of these swords seem to forever broaden the further you look into them in any detail!

spiral · 26th May 2015, 10:25 PM

Love the sandwich!

26th May 2015, 11:19 AM	#6
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,708	Thanks Martin, I like this word "takoubology" and think I will start using it more! Jim, Great catch! I forgot about that sword! I'm attaching an image here for thread readers. You are certainly right about it being worthwhile to revisit sources. I have ordered the French book mentioned by Briggs. I would guess these are then from the Hoggar Tuareg as the French source focuses on objects from this region. Hopefully I can confirm once the book arrives. A great point on the weapons themselves being the history. This is something that I always try to explain as the motivating factor for my very narrow field of collecting. The interesting thing for me, is that far from becoming more narrow over the years, the nature of these swords seem to forever broaden the further you look into them in any detail! Attached Images

23rd May 2015, 10:01 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Thanks for posting Iain. I never cease to be amazed where these European blades end up. There must have been quite a market for them in the day!

25th May 2015, 07:57 PM	#4
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 843	Dear Iain, This applied takoubalogy magnetizes me more end more ... Congartulations to the sword Martin

25th May 2015, 09:56 PM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,190	Iain, In checking through Briggs (1965, JAAS, Vol.V) I found this type hilt shown in his plate X(a). In the description of the sword there is virtually no note to this unusual style hilt with this loop extension, with most of the attention to the blade (one of the 'Spanish motto' type trade blades). What seems significant is that this example also has the sandwiched section extending the blade, and somewhat similar style engraving. He notes that the example is depicted in Balout & Gast (1958, pl. II) and then returns to discussion of another example of the 'motto' being seen on another blade. It would be interesting to recheck the Briggs and example he notes from 1958 to see if the hilt anomaly might have some presence in whatever area it might be attributed to. As mentioned, 'takoubology' is indeed fascinating as one of the specific fields of arms study which is remarkably esoteric, or 'nebulous' as Briggs describes. We are not just studying the history of the weapons....the weapons ARE the history.

26th May 2015, 10:25 PM	#7
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	Love the sandwich!