I don't think this example was added yet from the Alava Arms Museum, as well as another recently uncovered at Ain castle in Castellón.

Thank you Iain, it's a fantastic 14th c. example!
Do you think they lost one copper ring in the process from the site to the Museum? And do you think these rings were used to hold the grips?
This sword is very interesting but to me it's not a Jineta.

To be clear these are two different swords. The images on the white background are from the Alava sword.

I think it is likely there was another ring that was lost at some point, yes they were used to hold the grips, likely two pieces of wood, possibly with cloth or leather.

Regarding the name, "war jineta" or jineta de combate is a term sometimes used regarding these as opposed to the more elaborately decorated examples. Personally I am more interested in the form than debating the name as this is the type of blade carried by Jinete cavalry.

The museum example is 12th century, while the excavated find is tentatively placed within the 14th century.

I'm interested by both, names and shapes.
Without names and vocabulary it's difficult to differenciate diffrent models.

Auction description - "An unusual long straight possibly Islamic sword with elephant heads on its handle sides and possibly Arabic writing on blade"

This sword sold at auction recently and I was wondering if it is in fact a Jineta from Granada, Spain from the Moorish rule period or a later Victorian interpretation?

It gives the impression of being a later interpretation: if Victorian era then British India may be a possibility considering the ellyfunts. My recollection of Moorish art is that such depictions of animals tends to be quite out-of-place in the tradition. Which makes an anomaly such as the sculptures in the Court of Lions at the Alhambra in Granada so much more remarkable.

;) :cool:

I know this sword was already posted here but (i guess), the previous time there was no identity to it and, as i have just visited its residence (Toledo Army Mueum) i am posting it together with a humble transcription of the caption.

"THIS LUXURY SWORD IS ATTRIBUTED TO ONE OF THE PRINCIPAL MILITARY LEADERS OF THE NASRID PERIOD; ALI ATAR, WHO WAS ALCAIDE (MAYOR) OF LOJA AND BOABDIL’S FATHER IN LAW, THE LAST KING OF GRANADA. ACCORDING TO HISTORIOGRAPHIC TRADITION, THE CABALLERO LUCAS HURTADO HAS SNATCHED THE SWORD FROM ALI ATAR WHILST HE WAS FALLING DEATH DURING THE COURSE OF THE BATTLE OF LUCENA (21ST. APRIL 1483)".

Do i see a Moorish smith mark on the blade ?

.

Nando, the image does hint at Arabic calligraphy within the cartouche. Isn't it so frustrating to see something in a museum and either the lighting or the visual angle (behind glass, no less) stand in the way of a good photo?

Added by a lousy photographer, with a lousy camera, Filipe :shrug:.
... and the cartouche/mark is actually rather faded, by the way.

Yeah the wear and pitting don't help but don't beat yourself up over equipment and talent, you actually take better pics than many that are posted on the forum.

I go light when traveling so typically take a very portable small Canon which does a decent job, but in situations like lousy museum displays, I whip out my phone and take "back up" pics. Sometime am surprised at how much better they turn out when I adjust them on my computer. This is from someone who likewise is not a very methodical photographer and who tends to "wing it" when it comes to using a lens...