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#1 |
Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Germany
Posts: 244
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Hello,
I have this really strange dagger or hanger in my collection. I think it is from northern India because the silver fittings of the velvet covered scabbard reminds me of nepalese Kothimora-Kukris. The handle is made of silver, too and the guard of brass. The blade is massive and seems to be older than the other parts of the weapon but was regrinded later. I think the whole thing was made in the late 19th c., but I ask me if it could be possible, that the blade is a fragment of a much older genoese blade, maybe 17th c. or earlier. What do you think? All comments are very welcome. The whole design of the piece reminds me a bit of german military "Faschinenmesser" but that is maybe a random fact. Measurements: total 48cm without scabbard 47.5cm blade 37cm Regards Robin |
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#2 |
Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Germany
Posts: 244
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#3 |
Vikingsword Staff
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,283
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The scabbard chape appears to be upside down. Could this be a repurposed fitting from a decorative element of a different scabbard?
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#4 |
Arms Historian
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
Posts: 9,869
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While these 'sickle marks' are typically referred to as 'Genoan' that is from the numbers of North Italian blades with these marks that came out of Genoa as it was a port exporting them. Some actually had 'GENOA' stamped along with them which led to that association. The marks were used in varying cities in North Italy and often in multiples, variations and with other marks.
The 'sickle' mark was also notably used in Styrian centers, and as this does seem to be a 'Germanic' blade from a pioneer or auxiliary forces troop, that seems quite possible. The mounts on this blade are interesting. Possibly something for an officer in a 'Freikorps' unit in Austria? These were units based on the mid 18th c. 'pandours' of the Austrian army who favored exotic oriental fashion and weaponry. In "Schwert Degen Sabel" by Gerhard Seifert (1962) in a panel of sword blade forms, that clipped point is termed 'pandour point'. |
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#5 |
Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 424
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Old blade, repurposed silver work on scabbard, odd and seemingly unused hilt, I don't see it as representative of any particular culture, rather an assemblage possibly completed in India for an aficionado of the eclectic.
I'm probably wrong, of course. Kinda pretty, for all that; certainly eye-catching. |
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#6 |
Arms Historian
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
Posts: 9,869
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European artisans were copying 'oriental' styling in sword mountings in the 18th century, especially with dark background and silver themes from the orient (shakudo and Tonquinese hilted small swords). I have seen Chinese and other forms produced in European weapon forms. The 'pandour' units inspired auxiliary and specialized units with this type theme using 'exotic' weapons and fashions in imitation of these in European armies into early 1800s. Napoleon was particularly fond of these type units, and his Zouave units even influenced the American military in the Civil War,
The British often favored 'oriental' (which included India and Middle East in that parlance) styles in their officers swords. There are many examples of 'foreign' forms and styling in these typically 'one off' specially commissioned weapons. With this clearly German or Austrian style blade I still think it is an unusual example for an officer in a flamboyant style in the units described. This is most unusual however as this type of 'creation' is typically more expected with cavalry sabers, or officers swords with full length blades. |
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#7 | |
Vikingsword Staff
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,283
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![]() Quote:
![]() Makes no sense so I'll vote for a 'married' piece with Indian made blade. |
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