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#1 |
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The sabre was found in Africa (see the handle). Light, springy blade, which, I think, is of European origin. Could anybody help with identification ? Thanks.
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#2 |
Lead Moderator European Armoury
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No luck so far, Martin
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#3 |
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Dear Fernando, thank you for your sympathy ...
![]() Maybe somebody knows and will come later |
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#4 |
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I noted a peculiar similarity on an Indian sign....A Parrot !
Kamedev on parakeet. |
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#5 | |
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#6 |
Arms Historian
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Martin, very nice blade which looks to be Eastern European hanger or sabre blade of 17th c, possibly into 18th. This cartouche is not a hallmark, but probably a talismanic device used in these regions and known loosely as a 'Transylvanian knot'.
Devices such as this along with often unintelligible words are often found in these kinds of flourishes. The blades if I understand correctly were often Styrian,sometimes Polish, but hard to say for sure. The type of bird is really not relevant but could be a grouse as noted with that swirl atop the head. I think Ariel was the one who located this data in a very obscure book, "Huszarfegyerek a 15-17, Szadzadban " (Hussar Weapons of 15-17th c.). A very good possibility this may have been such a hussar sabre blade which ended up being transmitted into the trade blade context. Hungarian blades were very highly regarded in Arabia, and this one may well have entered there, from there traded into the networks which entered African entrepots. VERY intriguing blade with some great potential!! |
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#7 |
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Thank you all for your inputs. Coincidentally, I also received some reaction from experienced colleague from the Czech Army Museum in Prague, this morning.
So, he says: Based purely on the construction of the blade: Time of producrtion between 1750 and 1830 (I think that also the style of the engraving corresponds to this age). In any case it is European blade, very probably one of that time German states or Switzerland, but Russia cannot be excluded (since Russian sabers had similar features like Prussian ones). In no case French or Austrian. Very probably made as infantry sabre for grenadiers or sappers. They did not comment the engraved bird. Their opinion is close-out sale of old stock form Europe to "third markets". Martin |
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#8 |
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Just to add: I was really very surprised by the quality of the blade. Despite the signs of long time practical use, despite the long time in Africa, the blade is still, nearly obsolutely, straight and springy (also light). And the steel is,I would say, relatively hard in comparision with other blades I have seen.
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#9 |
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Jim I recall that thread and went in after this one ... I wonder is it Hungarian....?
![]() Last edited by Ibrahiim al Balooshi; 4th October 2017 at 05:10 PM. |
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#10 |
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See http://www.antiquesword101.com/islamic-indian-art.php#!/ Antique-16th-century-Hungarian-Sword-Blade-With-18th-century-Turkish-Ottoman-Hilt/p/84277162
The bird is similar...although it is remembered that it is Mythical and could vary in form and artists impression. The foliage represents the upper world and the Turul perches on top of it. See also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turul Last edited by Ibrahiim al Balooshi; 4th October 2017 at 05:08 PM. |
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