Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Jim McDougall · 11th January 2010, 08:18 PM

Hi Sarkis,
These straight sa'if blades were of the type produced in England, as well from German producers in the early 20th century. The examples hilted in Arabia tended to be more elaborate in the hilts, many silverwork.
Sarkis Terzian (1868-1915) was as mentioned, an importer who was instrumental in acquiring weapons for Menelik II from the latter 19th century into the 20th I believe. It would stand to reason that the initial O may have been that of a relative, but I do not have further details on this importer.
The English blades were typically marked as Wilkinson, or if made by Mole (in the 1920's acquired by Wilkinson) would have been stamped.

The German producers seem to have produced 'blanks' with the floral motif, and would have been stamped at forte by the supplier as these are.

I agree with Emanuel, please post others so we can keep adding to the archives here and add to the compendium of data.

All best regards,
Jim

11th January 2010, 08:18 PM	#8
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	Hi Sarkis, These straight sa'if blades were of the type produced in England, as well from German producers in the early 20th century. The examples hilted in Arabia tended to be more elaborate in the hilts, many silverwork. Sarkis Terzian (1868-1915) was as mentioned, an importer who was instrumental in acquiring weapons for Menelik II from the latter 19th century into the 20th I believe. It would stand to reason that the initial O may have been that of a relative, but I do not have further details on this importer. The English blades were typically marked as Wilkinson, or if made by Mole (in the 1920's acquired by Wilkinson) would have been stamped. The German producers seem to have produced 'blanks' with the floral motif, and would have been stamped at forte by the supplier as these are. I agree with Emanuel, please post others so we can keep adding to the archives here and add to the compendium of data. All best regards, Jim