Help identifying swan sword

labridges · 1st June 2016, 10:25 PM

I am a historical archaeologist, new to this forum, working with a house museum on a weapons exhibit. I came across a unique sword I am having a hard time identifying. Any information or leads are appreciated.

The sword may be original or a reproduction, and may date between the 18th-19thc. It appears to have a swan or bird in flight at the hand guard.

Please help. Thank you!

191881544374

VANDOO · 2nd June 2016, 05:56 PM

A INTERESTING SWORD LIKELY EUROPEAN IN ORIGINS SO OUT OF MY FIELD OF KNOWLEDGE. THE ONLY COMMENT I CAN MAKE IS THE BIRD LOOKS MORE LIKE A GANNET THAN A SWAN SO PERHAPS ASSOCIATIONS CAN BE DRAWN FROM THAT THRU FAMILY COAT OF ARMS AND SUCH INCORPORATING GANNETS OR SWANS. HOPEFULLY A MEMBER SPECIALIZING IN THIS FIELD CAN HELP. GOOD LUCK AND WELCOME TO THE FORUM.

David · 2nd June 2016, 06:39 PM

This isn't my area either, but it does indeed seem to be of European origin. I completely agree with Vandoo that this is not a swan and a gannet is a very likely possibility.
I did find a heraldic meaning listed for that bird as "One who has to subsist by virtue and merit". However this could be meant to be another bird such as a duck or a goose. I just don't think it's a swan.
Here is the northern gannet in flight for comparison.
I suppose that the tulip pommel could also be a clue.

Sajen · 2nd June 2016, 08:35 PM

Wouldn't it better to move it to the European section?

Maybe the help will be better over there.

1st June 2016, 10:25 PM	#1
labridges Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 1	Help identifying swan sword I am a historical archaeologist, new to this forum, working with a house museum on a weapons exhibit. I came across a unique sword I am having a hard time identifying. Any information or leads are appreciated. The sword may be original or a reproduction, and may date between the 18th-19thc. It appears to have a swan or bird in flight at the hand guard. Please help. Thank you! 191881544374 Attached Images Last edited by Robert; 2nd June 2016 at 05:08 AM.

2nd June 2016, 06:39 PM	#3
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,124	This isn't my area either, but it does indeed seem to be of European origin. I completely agree with Vandoo that this is not a swan and a gannet is a very likely possibility. I did find a heraldic meaning listed for that bird as "One who has to subsist by virtue and merit". However this could be meant to be another bird such as a duck or a goose. I just don't think it's a swan. Here is the northern gannet in flight for comparison. I suppose that the tulip pommel could also be a clue. Attached Images

2nd June 2016, 05:56 PM	#2
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	A INTERESTING SWORD LIKELY EUROPEAN IN ORIGINS SO OUT OF MY FIELD OF KNOWLEDGE. THE ONLY COMMENT I CAN MAKE IS THE BIRD LOOKS MORE LIKE A GANNET THAN A SWAN SO PERHAPS ASSOCIATIONS CAN BE DRAWN FROM THAT THRU FAMILY COAT OF ARMS AND SUCH INCORPORATING GANNETS OR SWANS. HOPEFULLY A MEMBER SPECIALIZING IN THIS FIELD CAN HELP. GOOD LUCK AND WELCOME TO THE FORUM.

2nd June 2016, 08:35 PM	#4
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,781	Wouldn't it better to move it to the European section? Maybe the help will be better over there.