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Old 26th January 2014, 06:37 PM   #1
Valjhun
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Default Silver mounted hussar? sword for comment

Hi,

Aquired this beauty today. I love it. Low grade silver mounts. Rather short, but beeing a private purchase piece, it was not meant for combat on a horseback I suppose.

No markings, but the little sun on the crossguard could tell that this is an austrian sword, napoleonic period. Do you agree?
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Old 28th January 2014, 12:10 AM   #2
Jim McDougall
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This is quite a handsome sabre Valjhun, which appears to be in the style of Eastern European forms, including Austrian which was of course part of Hungary then. What you note is in most cases probably true in degree, silver and elaborately decorated sabres would typically be for dress occasions.
What seems odd to me is that for a silver mounted sabre, which has various elements which are somewhat compared to a number of Eastern European forms, this one seems remarkably austere.

I have not been able to locate any examples in standard references on Eastern European swords with anything directly comparable, though in gestalt it does carry the theme. It seems very unusual to have a solid silver grip, though it is very attractive, and I have not seen a sectioned guard and knucklebow system like this.

The interesting stylized chopmark device at the back of the guard would seem possibly to be a stylized allusion to some of the ornate baroque sunburst style langet motif seen on some Eastern European sabres of 18th c. The beaded motif recalls a Hungarian design mid 18th on cavalry officers sabres of the Estrhazy regiment I believe.

Any evidence of markings or patination on the blade? Looks incredibly clean.
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Old 28th January 2014, 07:59 PM   #3
Jim McDougall
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In the absence of other replies, I will add additional notes as I research further here. It is difficult to properly guage a weapon without having it in hand, but the general appearance of this sword does bring to mind some more recent examples of such classic forms in these kinds of dress.

Also, in recent observations I would submit an entirely different suggestion. I have seen certain Caucasian swords, I believe Georgian, with similar hilt profile with very heavy grip shape, and the silverwork reminds me of some of these hilts, even some Khevsur examples come to mind. The interesting profiled beadwork as well as the langet with corresponding scabbard throat receiver are similar in some respects. As previously noted, I have been unable to locate any matching hilts in Eastern European references, but these influences along with others certainly had considerable traction in the Caucusus in the 19th century and later.

Many of these Caucasian swords are also somewhat recently produced, though extremely well done examples.
I hope others will add their thoughts to this possibility.
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Old 29th January 2014, 10:48 PM   #4
Valjhun
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Thank you Jim, for your most astute observations.
In comparison to other period officer items it is very austere with practically no decorations, almost minimalistic. That I love about this piece.
I would add, that I saw that particular scabbard ending on some austrian swords before. I tihk the hilt is stylised from earlier hussar sabers.
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Old 30th January 2014, 03:20 AM   #5
M ELEY
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Not my area, but an absolutely beautiful sword! In fact, I like the austerity of the piece, which seems to indicate that, yes, it was made for a person of some import, but also a piece that is more than a dress piece! I am curious how long the blade is? You mentioned that the blade length being shorter and I was curious what the standard length was for a horseman's saber? From what I've seen of European swords of the period, ca.1780-1810, anything over 30" seems to fit the bill-
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Old 30th January 2014, 07:10 AM   #6
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Good point Valjhun, and that curious tab at the scabbard chape was one element which went against my Georgian idea. I simply brought that in as there were some interesting similarities, but the note you make on Austrian scabbards does sound familiar.

I am actually with you and Mark in that I also like the more austere examples especially in these cavalry sabres as they tend to be of course fighting weapons rather than dress.

Mark, I always thought that cavalry sabres had to be long, usually 33 to about 36", but I know that in a number of instances some officers sabres had remarkably short blades. I once had an British M1796 (by H Osborne)which I know dated 1796-1801 as it had the Royal arms of that period in gilt on the blade , and its blade was around 29".


All best regards,
Jim
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