Are these historical swords or tourist traps?

[ebuhamza135]

I would like to ask wether these swords that I found on some auction websites are they actual historical swords used in history, or tourist traps?

[Sajen]

Make sure that they are not actually for sale!

[Ian]

I echo Sajen's concern abut these being currently for sale--discussion of items presently for sale is not permitted here (see forum rules at the top of the forum directory page).

I don't recognize these specific items (Islamic/Ottoman swords are not my main interest), but it may help discussion if you indicated what they were advertised as being. Both look well made items, and the second one has a very nice old sheath. I doubt that these are cheap knock offs for tourists, although each could be primarily "decorative" in nature. They do have a certain "Arabian Nights" feel and might be considered by Europeans as "scimitars."

P.S. A little research online.
The first one was sold by Sofe Design Auctions on June 21, 2019.

Highly Unusual 19th C. Islamic Ottoman Turkish Naval Short Sword with UNIQUE in-curved Blade, Signed & Dated. Total length (inside scabbard if present): 20", Blade length: 14 1/2".

[ebuhamza135]

Originally Posted by Ian

P.S. A little research online.
The first one was sold by Sofe Design Auctions on June 21, 2019.

So after you researched it, do you think was it actually used for military or just decorational?

[Ian]

I think they were made as weapons and not for sale to those who travel. The one in the elaborate metal sheath may have been more for "show" than combat.

Regards,

Ian

[Rafngard]

Here's an interesting Luzon example of the same kind of blade shape that recently came to live with me.

It is absolutely the heaviest Luzon blade I've ever handled.

Have fun,
Leif

[ausjulius]

Originally Posted by ebuhamza135

I would like to ask wether these swords that I found on some auction websites are they actual historical swords used in history, or tourist traps?

These type of "fantasy" oriental style weapons are frequently french made or comming from french colonies in North Africa. They are old and typically have a functional edge.
They were made as curiosities.
Some were made for officers , especially naval officers to wear in place of their dirks in the British and French navies. You can see some very curved dirks with shamshir style handles, velvet sheaths and eastern styles guards and decoration about too
You can also see french made "belly dancing swords" from those days that may be quite robust looking.
Generally these are period fantasy weapons.

People made fantasy weapons then as we do now.
Just like the English loved to make fantasy mediaeval swords in the 19th century.
The french liked to make fantasy Roman, greek, chinese and middle eastern weapons.
I'd guess mostly these were hung on walls or given as interesting gifts

[Ian]

Is the blade mark on the example without a scabbard meant to be a tughra?