Excellent examples brought up here!!!
The influence of Turkish sabres profoundly influenced the styles of swords as well as tactics used by European cavalry, and specifically those of the 'sipahi' to the development of light cavalry. The often flamboyant fashions and sabres definitely influenced the Hungarians and Poles and of course these fashions were one of the key influences in most of Europe.
As Gen. Le Marchant sought to improve the light sabres of the British cavalry as he close prototypes for consideration, in addition to those of the Austrians were also the shamshir and kilij. I have seen many M1796 light cavalry sabres with extreme parabolic curves and the extended yelman. Throughout the late 18th into early 19th century, these influences remained present in varying degree, especially in colonial environments.
The Mamluks are one of the best examples, and after the campaigns in Egypt both the British and the French were compelled to design sabres for thier officers following those of the impressive Mamluk sabres. These were well known in French Napoleonic sabres, and became the British general officers 'mameluke' sabres of pattern 1831. The style became the basis for the mameluke sabres of the U.S. Marine Corps officers, still proudly worn in their traditional uniform.
There are certainly many examples of various ethnographic weapons influencing the styles and fashions of European weapons, including these, and the paper prepared and delivered by Michael was outstanding! and reading that will provide wonderful perspective on this very topic.
Best regards,
Jim
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