Expensive tourist flyssa - Asian handle combo
 

So this thing just ended on eBay at over $300 usd. Obviously a flyssa blade of the shorter 1850+ variety (according to Lacoste-Desjardins) with an intricately carbed bone handle. Since there is little actual brass on the blade and a lot more of the scratches we see on similar "wedding nimcha" blades, I'll hazard a guess that this is more likely early 20th century.
The handle has loads of Buddhist themes and imagery, does anyone have any ideas about it.
An interesting fusion overall...

Emanuel

more pics
 

some more pics...all from seller

Hi Manolo,

I don't know the first thing about flyssas, but whether modern or older, this piece would look very nice in any collection.

Interesting how the decorative filework on the spine is the same as found on many navajas of both Spanish and French origins. Modern Spanish cutlers use the same theme on the external springs (muelle de teja). None of my antiques has this pattern, only those made in the 20th century. Perhaps this tells us something.....

Cheers
Chris

The figure at the top of the hilt looks like Hanuman (the tail has broken off) and i would hazard a guess that it comes from Indonesia, possibly Bali. Can't say how it ended up on this blade though. :shrug:

Cool. I can't say for sure but I think I've seen an old sword from Vietnam that was similar in shape. Trying to look for the reference...
Shawn

Does not look right to me. I think the handle is not old 1930s? oldest. Could be a parasol handle? What bothers me is lots of pics but none of the join. The blade does look north African. Do not take my word I am bitter and twisted :(

I am extremely suspicious of this piece, to me , the blade seems to be North African. I believe that this was a marriage of blade and hilt for the purpose of monetary gain. To me, the handle seems artificially aged and the 'wear' points (rubbing) seem inconsistent with actual handling. Where Hanuman's tail has broken off, the 'fracture sites' are clean right up to the edges, surely bone etc as it ages also starts to discolour slightly below the surface 'skin'...meaning that the 'fracture sites' would be edged with some discolouration. I hope I am wrong, for the buyer's sake ...but could the handle possibly be resin :shrug:

Regards David

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David I thought the handle was bone. looking at the broken parts you may have a point. The brakes do look awfully fresh.

There's no question that this is a North African blade. It comes from a small flyssa of a type whose manufacture began in the latter part of the 19th century and took off in the early 20th. This type of blade is the precursor to the thin "wedding nimcha" blades, just compare the decorative "scratches".

Yes lets be shockingly honest its crap. :shrug:

Could the blade be from a Shula ??

Tim,

RIGHT ON! Absolute crap!

As Katana, i am very suspicious too. As for the blade, it seems to be a kabyle work. As for the hilt, it's an indonesian style with Hanuman!!!.
It is the assembly of the carp and the rabbit. Doubtless, somebody has to laugh at its joke. :p