From where???

Kubur · 3rd March 2017, 01:55 PM

From where???

mariusgmioc · 3rd March 2017, 02:38 PM

Shotel sword from Ethiopia?!

Albeit the hilt is rather atypical.

Exceptional workmanship!

Marcus · 3rd March 2017, 04:36 PM

I am also reminded of a Black Sea Laz Bichaq Yataghan

ariel · 3rd March 2017, 05:31 PM

There are similar examples ( of lower quality) in the collection of the Russian Ethnographic Museum in St. Petersburg.
Allegedly, brought from Kazakhstan and, also allegedly, their local name is Shoy.

I also saw the same construction defined as Kurdish. Or Armenian.

Unlike Trabzonian Laz Bichagi, there is no documentary/photographic evidence of their attribution/provenance/dating.

If Laz Bicagi is an ergonomic nightmare, these buggers are simply beyond words...
I find it hard to believe that anyone in his right mind would be willing to be armed with THAT:-)

Kubur · 3rd March 2017, 05:47 PM

Thank you all
Yes Black sea Armenian yatagan

Oliver Pinchot · 3rd March 2017, 06:34 PM

That piece sold through Auctions Imperial in 2012.
The description addresses the unusual motifs on the grip.

http://auctionsimperial.hibid.com/lo...0&ref=lot-list

David · 3rd March 2017, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ariel

I find it hard to believe that anyone in his right mind would be willing to be armed with THAT:-)

Why is that Ariel? These shotel-style blades were designed for specific usage, mostly to be able to strike around shields if i am not mistaken. Have you seen any instructional videos of this weapon in action for a better understanding of how it was wielded?

ariel · 4th March 2017, 12:05 AM

Well David, having held many Laz Bicagi and shotels, as well as one of those monstrosities, I can assure you that wielding it effectively is just as realistic as using a fork with haphazardly bent tines. Perhaps,- just perhaps:-),- that was the reason why this construction was never adopted outside its very limited areals.
At your suggestion I have looked at the "instructional videos" on YouTube. Looks very good against an opponent who doesn't move his shield even an inch and never uses his own normal sword. Would look even better against a punching bag.

African swords with rare exceptions are artistically fascinating but practically not very useful.

3rd March 2017, 01:55 PM	#1
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	From where??? From where??? Attached Images

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3rd March 2017, 02:38 PM	#2
mariusgmioc Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Austria Posts: 1,903	Shotel sword from Ethiopia?! Albeit the hilt is rather atypical. Exceptional workmanship!

3rd March 2017, 04:36 PM	#3
Marcus Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 420	I am also reminded of a Black Sea Laz Bichaq Yataghan

3rd March 2017, 05:31 PM	#4
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	There are similar examples ( of lower quality) in the collection of the Russian Ethnographic Museum in St. Petersburg. Allegedly, brought from Kazakhstan and, also allegedly, their local name is Shoy. I also saw the same construction defined as Kurdish. Or Armenian. Unlike Trabzonian Laz Bichagi, there is no documentary/photographic evidence of their attribution/provenance/dating. If Laz Bicagi is an ergonomic nightmare, these buggers are simply beyond words... I find it hard to believe that anyone in his right mind would be willing to be armed with THAT:-)

3rd March 2017, 05:47 PM	#5
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	Thank you all Yes Black sea Armenian yatagan

3rd March 2017, 06:34 PM	#6
Oliver Pinchot Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 457	That piece sold through Auctions Imperial in 2012. The description addresses the unusual motifs on the grip. http://auctionsimperial.hibid.com/lo...0&ref=lot-list

4th March 2017, 12:05 AM	#8
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Well David, having held many Laz Bicagi and shotels, as well as one of those monstrosities, I can assure you that wielding it effectively is just as realistic as using a fork with haphazardly bent tines. Perhaps,- just perhaps:-),- that was the reason why this construction was never adopted outside its very limited areals. At your suggestion I have looked at the "instructional videos" on YouTube. Looks very good against an opponent who doesn't move his shield even an inch and never uses his own normal sword. Would look even better against a punching bag. African swords with rare exceptions are artistically fascinating but practically not very useful.