Ethiopian swords

roanoa · 6th October 2006, 11:58 PM

Bill, love your display. Very nice. I know, virtually all Arussi shields have repaired spear cuts (at least that's what I think they are...). Gorgeous pieces anyways.
Lew, we are not 100% in tune. Certainly the vast majority of rhino hilts are found on quality blades, but not always. I posted 3 Oromo/Galla swords; the blades are of similar quality (poor..). Two of them have cheap wooden handles and one has a NICE rhino grip. I have a couple of cheap Ethiopian blades with rhino grip. On the other hand, I just saw a nice picture of Ras Seyum (circa 1930) all dressed up. The sword he is wearing has "cow" grip. He certainly could afford a more expensive one. And again, when rhino was still plentiful, the Abyssinian fell in love with bakelite and "plastic" grips.... Ah, the joys of collecting!!
Keep up the good work, guys. I really want to see what's out there. I myself will keep on posting.

Bill M · 7th October 2006, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roanoa

Bill, love your display. Very nice. I know, virtually all Arussi shields have repaired spear cuts (at least that's what I think they are...). Gorgeous pieces anyways.

Thanks Roanoa,

Here is an overall picture of that wall. I will also post pictures of a Shotel and a cavalry sabre, and I will get them in your thread.

Bill M · 7th October 2006, 02:35 AM

I am posting some more pictures of my hilt in the hopes that it will settle the debate as to whether it is cow or rhino.

I hope that the hole in the hilt when seen from the blade will help. it is filled with wax.

Then I would like to post in the thread with the properly spelled Ethiopia

Comments

roanoa · 7th October 2006, 07:24 AM

Bill. First: you have a gorgeous room. Love it. Second: I do not believe thios argument will ever be settled... As far as my opinion is concerned, I BELIEVE it's cattle horn. I am sure some of the members of this Forum will disagree. If you want an EXPERT opinion, you'll have to go to a Forensic Laboratory.... It's of course academic as the bottom line is: it's a lovely sword!! Got some more?

Lew · 7th October 2006, 06:19 PM

Bill

I can't see any of the fiberous structure that is present in rhino horn so I agree with Roanoa that it is cattle horn. If you are disappointed I can understand but it is still a beauty. If you want you can send to me you know it would have a good home

Lew

Bill M · 8th October 2006, 01:48 AM

Have no idea. Doesn't bother me either way. I like it. And I appreciate your comments.

Where is my Ouzo? Did drink a bit of it once and had a VERY weird high. but I like Anise.

I will post another sword in the ETHIOPIAN thread.

Andrew · 8th October 2006, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Marsh

I will post another sword in the ETHIOPIAN thread.

7th October 2006, 02:35 AM	#3
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	Rhino or Cow horn hilt I am posting some more pictures of my hilt in the hopes that it will settle the debate as to whether it is cow or rhino. I hope that the hole in the hilt when seen from the blade will help. it is filled with wax. Then I would like to post in the thread with the properly spelled Ethiopia Comments Attached Images

7th October 2006, 06:19 PM	#5
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	Bill I can't see any of the fiberous structure that is present in rhino horn so I agree with Roanoa that it is cattle horn. If you are disappointed I can understand but it is still a beauty. If you want you can send to me you know it would have a good home Lew Last edited by LOUIEBLADES; 8th October 2006 at 01:44 AM.

8th October 2006, 01:48 AM	#6
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	Cow or Rhino? Have no idea. Doesn't bother me either way. I like it. And I appreciate your comments. Where is my Ouzo? Did drink a bit of it once and had a VERY weird high. but I like Anise. I will post another sword in the ETHIOPIAN thread.

6th October 2006, 11:58 PM	#1
roanoa Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 241	Bill, love your display. Very nice. I know, virtually all Arussi shields have repaired spear cuts (at least that's what I think they are...). Gorgeous pieces anyways. Lew, we are not 100% in tune. Certainly the vast majority of rhino hilts are found on quality blades, but not always. I posted 3 Oromo/Galla swords; the blades are of similar quality (poor..). Two of them have cheap wooden handles and one has a NICE rhino grip. I have a couple of cheap Ethiopian blades with rhino grip. On the other hand, I just saw a nice picture of Ras Seyum (circa 1930) all dressed up. The sword he is wearing has "cow" grip. He certainly could afford a more expensive one. And again, when rhino was still plentiful, the Abyssinian fell in love with bakelite and "plastic" grips.... Ah, the joys of collecting!! Keep up the good work, guys. I really want to see what's out there. I myself will keep on posting.

7th October 2006, 07:24 AM	#4
roanoa Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 241	Bill. First: you have a gorgeous room. Love it. Second: I do not believe thios argument will ever be settled... As far as my opinion is concerned, I BELIEVE it's cattle horn. I am sure some of the members of this Forum will disagree. If you want an EXPERT opinion, you'll have to go to a Forensic Laboratory.... It's of course academic as the bottom line is: it's a lovely sword!! Got some more?