Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

M ELEY · 19th April 2014, 02:05 AM

Astounding!!! I really never expected to see another cuphilt so exacting as Fernando's, and here it is! Unfortunately, I have nothing to add to Jim and 'Nando's exceptional information and theories. I am truly fascinated by the details of these two swords, especially the decorations to the rayskin(?) grip. Still wonder if those puzzle-like pieces hold some clue to the origin-

Spanish colonial pieces are often 'brutally' put together, like the bowl on this sword pierced by the tang. Likewise, the side quillons, with their reinforced supports are typical provincial work. What remains interesting to me is that there is also skilled decoration on the piece, as if there had been two makers? When I look at the overall piece, I sort of see what looks like a sword hiding under all of the adornments, if you know what I mean. Could this sword have been re-worked in its life-time, with a newer bowl and supported quillons added. In any case, an excellent piece that literally exudes history! I could see it being later, ca. late 18th as well.

Jim, I have never heard of the Galluchat method for false shagreening! Thanks for that bit of information. I'll do some research on it myself for future reference-

19th April 2014, 02:05 AM	#36
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,141	Astounding!!! I really never expected to see another cuphilt so exacting as Fernando's, and here it is! Unfortunately, I have nothing to add to Jim and 'Nando's exceptional information and theories. I am truly fascinated by the details of these two swords, especially the decorations to the rayskin(?) grip. Still wonder if those puzzle-like pieces hold some clue to the origin- Spanish colonial pieces are often 'brutally' put together, like the bowl on this sword pierced by the tang. Likewise, the side quillons, with their reinforced supports are typical provincial work. What remains interesting to me is that there is also skilled decoration on the piece, as if there had been two makers? When I look at the overall piece, I sort of see what looks like a sword hiding under all of the adornments, if you know what I mean. Could this sword have been re-worked in its life-time, with a newer bowl and supported quillons added. In any case, an excellent piece that literally exudes history! I could see it being later, ca. late 18th as well. Jim, I have never heard of the Galluchat method for false shagreening! Thanks for that bit of information. I'll do some research on it myself for future reference- Last edited by M ELEY; 19th April 2014 at 02:15 AM.