Very strange sword

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 25th October 2017, 11:24 PM

I have to say I think this is a grass cutting device for gathering fodder... However there are a few caveats to drop into the mix.

Count Gleichen (Guards Camel Corps) after the battle of Abu Klea, described the native weapons lying on the battle field thus:

"Arms of all sorts and broken banner-staves were scattered over the field; spears in hundreds, some of enormous length, javelins, knobkerries, hatchets, swords and knives, I even found a Birmingham bill-hook, with the trade-mark on it, in an Arab's hand, sharp as a razor and covered with blood and hair: how it got there I know not, so I confiscated it for the use of our mess."Unquote.

of knives it said ~

Quote" Knives offer the greatest variety in shape, decoration and materials used. They were double-edged and maintained at razor sharpness. The hooked blades were for hamstringing horses and transport animals, and were used with great effect against the 10th and 19th Hussars at El Teb."Unquote.

Victrix · 26th October 2017, 01:38 AM

I doubt there was that much sentiment for horses in old times during war when the focus must have been on personal survival. During the Battle of Lutzen in 1632 an Imperial commander Ottavio Piccolomini had no less than five horses killed under him.

With regards to the strange sword, arguably it does not seem to belong in the European theatre of war and I would not rule out that it’s purpose might be to hamstring camels in Africa? Camels are big animals and for a foot soldier the only way to reach the rider physically would be to first take down his mount. Foot soldiers equipped with this weapon would then likely try to repeat the feat on the enemy’s horses?

Jim McDougall · 26th October 2017, 02:21 AM

Sure do wish somebody could find at least one more of these, and maybe with some context. While the label on the one example is interesting, some collaboration or mention of such use as described in contemporary literature would be great.
Hope it wont be another 9 years!!!

Richard G · 26th October 2017, 01:02 PM

I'm not sure I can see this as a combat weapon, it is just too strange. But I wouldn't be surprised if it had a specific purpose within the military. For example, some form of farrier's instrument, combing the dispatching of injured horses with crude butchery and maybe cutting and raking out hay bales etc.
Just a suggestion
Regards
Richard

Jim McDougall · 26th October 2017, 04:31 PM

I think it might be for cutting hay bales

kronckew · 26th October 2017, 05:05 PM

hay bales? fodder? the japanese equivalent: my jingama

i could shave with it too.

Victrix · 26th October 2017, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kronckew

hay bales? fodder? the japanese equivalent: my jingama

i could shave with it too.

Hmmm... interesting clip on the side

Could it be a pirate’s jingama?

26th October 2017, 05:05 PM	#6
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,238	hay bales? fodder? the japanese equivalent: my jingama i could shave with it too. Attached Images

25th October 2017, 11:24 PM	#1
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	I have to say I think this is a grass cutting device for gathering fodder... However there are a few caveats to drop into the mix. Count Gleichen (Guards Camel Corps) after the battle of Abu Klea, described the native weapons lying on the battle field thus: "Arms of all sorts and broken banner-staves were scattered over the field; spears in hundreds, some of enormous length, javelins, knobkerries, hatchets, swords and knives, I even found a Birmingham bill-hook, with the trade-mark on it, in an Arab's hand, sharp as a razor and covered with blood and hair: how it got there I know not, so I confiscated it for the use of our mess."Unquote. of knives it said ~ Quote" Knives offer the greatest variety in shape, decoration and materials used. They were double-edged and maintained at razor sharpness. The hooked blades were for hamstringing horses and transport animals, and were used with great effect against the 10th and 19th Hussars at El Teb."Unquote.

26th October 2017, 01:38 AM	#2
Victrix Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Sweden Posts: 755	I doubt there was that much sentiment for horses in old times during war when the focus must have been on personal survival. During the Battle of Lutzen in 1632 an Imperial commander Ottavio Piccolomini had no less than five horses killed under him. With regards to the strange sword, arguably it does not seem to belong in the European theatre of war and I would not rule out that it’s purpose might be to hamstring camels in Africa? Camels are big animals and for a foot soldier the only way to reach the rider physically would be to first take down his mount. Foot soldiers equipped with this weapon would then likely try to repeat the feat on the enemy’s horses?

26th October 2017, 02:21 AM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,459	Sure do wish somebody could find at least one more of these, and maybe with some context. While the label on the one example is interesting, some collaboration or mention of such use as described in contemporary literature would be great. Hope it wont be another 9 years!!!

26th October 2017, 01:02 PM	#4
Richard G Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 412	I'm not sure I can see this as a combat weapon, it is just too strange. But I wouldn't be surprised if it had a specific purpose within the military. For example, some form of farrier's instrument, combing the dispatching of injured horses with crude butchery and maybe cutting and raking out hay bales etc. Just a suggestion Regards Richard

26th October 2017, 04:31 PM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,459	I think it might be for cutting hay bales