Expensive tourist flyssa - Asian handle combo

Emanuel · 12th December 2008, 04:07 AM

So this thing just ended on eBay at over $300 usd. Obviously a flyssa blade of the shorter 1850+ variety (according to Lacoste-Desjardins) with an intricately carbed bone handle. Since there is little actual brass on the blade and a lot more of the scratches we see on similar "wedding nimcha" blades, I'll hazard a guess that this is more likely early 20th century.
The handle has loads of Buddhist themes and imagery, does anyone have any ideas about it.
An interesting fusion overall...

Emanuel

Emanuel · 12th December 2008, 04:09 AM

some more pics...all from seller

Chris Evans · 12th December 2008, 05:46 AM

Hi Manolo,

I don't know the first thing about flyssas, but whether modern or older, this piece would look very nice in any collection.

Interesting how the decorative filework on the spine is the same as found on many navajas of both Spanish and French origins. Modern Spanish cutlers use the same theme on the external springs (muelle de teja). None of my antiques has this pattern, only those made in the 20th century. Perhaps this tells us something.....

Cheers
Chris

David · 12th December 2008, 02:33 PM

The figure at the top of the hilt looks like Hanuman (the tail has broken off) and i would hazard a guess that it comes from Indonesia, possibly Bali. Can't say how it ended up on this blade though.

DhaDha · 12th December 2008, 04:34 PM

Cool. I can't say for sure but I think I've seen an old sword from Vietnam that was similar in shape. Trying to look for the reference...
Shawn

Tim Simmons · 12th December 2008, 06:35 PM

Does not look right to me. I think the handle is not old 1930s? oldest. Could be a parasol handle? What bothers me is lots of pics but none of the join. The blade does look north African. Do not take my word I am bitter and twisted

12th December 2008, 04:07 AM	#1
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	Expensive tourist flyssa - Asian handle combo So this thing just ended on eBay at over $300 usd. Obviously a flyssa blade of the shorter 1850+ variety (according to Lacoste-Desjardins) with an intricately carbed bone handle. Since there is little actual brass on the blade and a lot more of the scratches we see on similar "wedding nimcha" blades, I'll hazard a guess that this is more likely early 20th century. The handle has loads of Buddhist themes and imagery, does anyone have any ideas about it. An interesting fusion overall... Emanuel Attached Images

12th December 2008, 04:09 AM	#2
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	more pics some more pics...all from seller Attached Images

12th December 2008, 05:46 AM	#3
Chris Evans Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 685	Hi Manolo, I don't know the first thing about flyssas, but whether modern or older, this piece would look very nice in any collection. Interesting how the decorative filework on the spine is the same as found on many navajas of both Spanish and French origins. Modern Spanish cutlers use the same theme on the external springs (muelle de teja). None of my antiques has this pattern, only those made in the 20th century. Perhaps this tells us something..... Cheers Chris

12th December 2008, 02:33 PM	#4
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,211	The figure at the top of the hilt looks like Hanuman (the tail has broken off) and i would hazard a guess that it comes from Indonesia, possibly Bali. Can't say how it ended up on this blade though.

12th December 2008, 04:34 PM	#5
DhaDha Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 176	Cool. I can't say for sure but I think I've seen an old sword from Vietnam that was similar in shape. Trying to look for the reference... Shawn

12th December 2008, 06:35 PM	#6
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,843	Does not look right to me. I think the handle is not old 1930s? oldest. Could be a parasol handle? What bothers me is lots of pics but none of the join. The blade does look north African. Do not take my word I am bitter and twisted