![]() |
![]() |
#1 |
Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Surabaya - Indonesia
Posts: 199
|
![]()
Hello all
this is my second new thread here. Just want to share a unique story about this sword, which is now in my possession according to Chladne Zbrane v Habsburske Monarchii - (Edged Weapons of Habsburg Monarchy), page 107, this sword is a sword of Austrian Higher Officials model 1878 : details (from books above) : Single edged sword, straight blade with fuller on both sides wooden grip with mother-of-pearl handles brass hilt with monogram FJI (Emperor Francis Joseph 1) and with slogan VIRIBUS UNITIS on lower ferrule Lion's head shaped pommel. Bar Basket in form of snake with sprigs Counterguard with Austrian Coat of Arms on outer side Black leather scabbard with brass mouthpiece Blade is solingen made, and from carbon steel, with chromium plating now this is how I acquired the sword. It is in good condition. Unfortunately without original sheath, so previous owner made new one using leather anyhow, the sword is now in much better condition as I have restored it perhaps into 80% of its former glory (restoration is still on the way) hope you like it, any comments are welcome ![]() Donny |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Surabaya - Indonesia
Posts: 199
|
![]()
according to the previous owner, this sword was found in heap of junks dated from pre 1945 era, and already found without sheath
he made replacement sheath from leather and it's been hanging on the wall for the last 20 - 30 years before I laid my eyes on it oh I forgot to mention that I am wondering how on earth did this sword, which belongs to another era ended up in Indonesia - so far away from Austria |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Lead Moderator European Armoury
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Portugal
Posts: 9,694
|
![]()
Hi Donny. Welcome to the forum
![]() Nice sword. Did you explore the term VIRIBUS UNITIS? http://croatian-treasure.com/viribus.html Would the inscription in your sword be connected to this ship? |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 | |
Keris forum moderator
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 7,096
|
![]() Quote:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Joseph_I_of_Austria |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Keris forum moderator
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 7,096
|
![]()
Actually, if you look on the flip side of this ferrule, it looks like the initials F.J. 1 are embossed there.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 | |
Lead Moderator European Armoury
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Portugal
Posts: 9,694
|
![]() Quote:
Obviously the ship was named after Franz Joseph's motto. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 | |
Lead Moderator European Armoury
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Portugal
Posts: 9,694
|
![]() Quote:
![]() Maybe officer's swords of the period had both Emperor's initials and motto ![]() ... or officers of the ship's garrison ? ![]() Something not 'so hard' to confirm ! |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 5,503
|
![]()
Viribus Unitis was an official motto of the Austro-Hungarian Empire: United Forces.
The same meaning as their two-headed egle. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Lead Moderator European Armoury
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Portugal
Posts: 9,694
|
![]()
I thought this was Franz Joseph's personal motto
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Arms Historian
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
Posts: 9,885
|
![]()
I just wanted to note how delightful it is to see a weapon posted by someone along with details of thier own research and observations!!!!
Absolutely brilliant ! Well done Donny, thank you so much! ![]() This prompted good return and informative exchange on the item by others. Good stuff guys. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 | ||
Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Surabaya - Indonesia
Posts: 199
|
![]() Quote:
in the book I mentioned above, there are many swords, which is more elaborate than mine and all bearing the same emblem of double headed eagle and FJI monogram. At first I believe that this sword is navy formal dress sword - based on the ship with the same name (VIRIBUS UNITIS) but the book said otherwise, and only stated that this is formal dress sword for higher officials, with no specific mention to navy or army. the only problem is the Empire is no longer exist and relics are scattered worldwide, so information is very limited Quote:
I try my best to understand my collection and gather information for educational purposes, even though the resources here is limited - in light that this piece of history may not be forgotten and perhaps can be studied properly ![]() and I am still wondering how on earth this piece of history from empire no longer exist stranded here in Indonesia, so far away from Austria |
||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
Arms Historian
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
Posts: 9,885
|
![]()
Donny, that is exactly to attitude and approach that I sincerely wish was more prevalent in the world of arms collecting! The weapons are the sentinels of the history they have seen, and altogether too many simply match the weapon to a picture in a book, classify it, and hang it on the wall.
Well done! As to how it ended up in Indonesia, there are many possibilities, but without sound provenance only speculations can be offered. Naturally with the profound trade internationally which focused on the East Indies, there are many situations involving diplomatic and trade relations, and probably circumstances which would align with the period of the sword. Then of course, an item might have simply been brought back by someone who had contact with another and acquired the sword as an item of interest or curiosity. There are countless cases of items turning up in completely incongruent circumstances vast distances away, but the global nature of trade routes, travel and networking is by far not a modern phenomenon. Whatever the case, it is a wonderful sword, and again, thank you for sharing it here. All the best, Jim |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 607
|
![]()
This is an Austro-Hungarian civil servants' parade or court sword. Swords like this are frequently encountered on the market. The original scabbard had two gilt brass fittings, the top locked had a button on the front, to be worn on a shoulder sling.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 | |
Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Surabaya - Indonesia
Posts: 199
|
![]() Quote:
is there any information on where I can purchase the scabbard ?? as mine is losing its scabbard ![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 607
|
![]()
I would advise to just leave it the way it is. It would be difficult to find a period scabbard that would fit your blade.
This company can make you a new scabbard. To do a good job, I'd assume they would probably need to have your sword sent to them. http://www.crisp-and-sons.com/aboutus.htm |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 | |
Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Surabaya - Indonesia
Posts: 199
|
![]() Quote:
really appreciate the information, but I am afraid that it's gonna cost me too much to send the sword to them |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
|