Sword ID #1

TVV · 29th June 2006, 06:50 PM

This looks like a nice Ethiopian gurade, probably from the first half of the 19th century, the priod between the two world wars. The mark suggests that the blade is of German manufacture. Was that Alex Coppel's mark? I am not sure, you might need to do more research. It is quite a complete example - scabbard, baldric and all.

The Double D · 29th June 2006, 07:11 PM

Baldric would that be the strap or belt wrapped around the scabbard? I didn't unwrap it. How is the used? Wrapped around the waist or over the shoulder?

Tim Simmons · 29th June 2006, 07:27 PM

Shame about the unsympathetic repair to the scabbard. I think these are worn either way. I would think most often over the shoulder as the baldric does not seem strong enough to support the sword in a belt system.

TVV · 29th June 2006, 07:34 PM

Good point - I only assumed its a baldric, in which case it would be worn over the shoulder, but it might as well be a belt. There are much more knowledgeable people on Ethiopian swords here, who would be able to give you significantly more information about this one. A simple search will come up with at least several topics on similar swords, which may answer a lot of your questions.

The Double D · 29th June 2006, 08:14 PM

Now that i know what it is I can do the search. Searching the word sword is not a good thing on this board. Searching Ethiopian gurade should be more fruitful

roanoa · 12th July 2006, 10:52 PM

Nice gurade. The leather wrapped around the scabbard is a belt. I have never seen a gurade worn in any other way. The Ethiopian and Eritrean tribes who use the Sudanese kaskara will, of course, wear it over the shoulder. The belt of the gurade is laced to the scabbard in such a way that the gurade is worn almost horizontal to the ground. Very unconfortable in a crowed place..... E-mail me if you want an estimate. Ron

The Double D · 13th July 2006, 06:50 PM

Thank for your kind offer, but I wasn't looking for an appraisal. I was trying establish what this item is and what about gave it it's value, and how to judge that value in hopes it might take an interest in them.

Although I find them interesting, they don't really light a fire in me.

The history if fascinating. I appreciate your sharing of that also. Thank you.

29th June 2006, 06:50 PM	#1
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,723	This looks like a nice Ethiopian gurade, probably from the first half of the 19th century, the priod between the two world wars. The mark suggests that the blade is of German manufacture. Was that Alex Coppel's mark? I am not sure, you might need to do more research. It is quite a complete example - scabbard, baldric and all.

29th June 2006, 07:11 PM	#2
The Double D Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: On the banks of Cut Bank Creek, Montana Posts: 189	Baldric would that be the strap or belt wrapped around the scabbard? I didn't unwrap it. How is the used? Wrapped around the waist or over the shoulder?

29th June 2006, 07:27 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,922	Shame about the unsympathetic repair to the scabbard. I think these are worn either way. I would think most often over the shoulder as the baldric does not seem strong enough to support the sword in a belt system.

29th June 2006, 07:34 PM	#4
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,723	Good point - I only assumed its a baldric, in which case it would be worn over the shoulder, but it might as well be a belt. There are much more knowledgeable people on Ethiopian swords here, who would be able to give you significantly more information about this one. A simple search will come up with at least several topics on similar swords, which may answer a lot of your questions.

29th June 2006, 08:14 PM	#5
The Double D Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: On the banks of Cut Bank Creek, Montana Posts: 189	Now that i know what it is I can do the search. Searching the word sword is not a good thing on this board. Searching Ethiopian gurade should be more fruitful

12th July 2006, 10:52 PM	#6
roanoa Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 241	Nice gurade. The leather wrapped around the scabbard is a belt. I have never seen a gurade worn in any other way. The Ethiopian and Eritrean tribes who use the Sudanese kaskara will, of course, wear it over the shoulder. The belt of the gurade is laced to the scabbard in such a way that the gurade is worn almost horizontal to the ground. Very unconfortable in a crowed place..... E-mail me if you want an estimate. Ron

13th July 2006, 06:50 PM	#7
The Double D Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: On the banks of Cut Bank Creek, Montana Posts: 189	Thank for your kind offer, but I wasn't looking for an appraisal. I was trying establish what this item is and what about gave it it's value, and how to judge that value in hopes it might take an interest in them. Although I find them interesting, they don't really light a fire in me. The history if fascinating. I appreciate your sharing of that also. Thank you.