The Black Saber

[MatthewGMK]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Hi Matthew,
I'm glad you visit us often, and it is nice to see your post. While I am not particularly inclined toward modern reproductions of weapons, I cannot resist saying this is an absolutely breathtaking piece of work ! It is obvious that Mr. Abrera does meticulous research on the weapons he produces, as from what I can see the detail here is remarkable.

Since our primary objective here is the study and identification of authentic antique weapons, it would really be interesting to know more on the history of the sword (s) this piece was based on, and how they received the sobriquet 'black sabres'.

Mr. CeJuniors web page is also beautifully done, and overall between that and the weapon itself extremely appealing....true artwork !

All best regards,
Jim

Hi Jim, thankyou for your kind words and comments. One reason I have
done more looking and reading as opposed to posting is that I am neither
historian nor collector of authentic antique weapons. But there should be
no question that The Black Saber is a product of researching -- as
best I could, and I think as best Paolo could --a very unique sword with
what I personally believe the legendary status similar to, for instance,
the Japanese sword.

I know there will be many who disagree, and my very early interest in
swords began with looking at Japanese blades. But let me state once
again, I am no expert. It seems different cultures and societies have
and often still do embrace a particular sword in a particular way. The
Polish War Saber I wanted to embrace, however, would not in
my mind be the heavily decorated sword one might see in a museum
or collection. On the contrary, even though it would be -- again, in
my mind -- of museum-quality, it would be the sword of a common
soldier; less delicate and maybe less agile, but certainly powerful in
character and personality.

My early interest in the Polish Hussar Saber was actually spurred
on by a reproduction found in another forum. From that point I began
looking for more information and photographs, and came to this :



Maybe some of you are much more familiar with W. Zablocki's legendary
book than I, but I began finding some of the drawings online, as well as
a few discussions. One drawing that Paolo used to inspire the blade ...



When we chose to name the project The Black Saber it was after
an email back-n-forth. Paolo brought up the term, and it quickly reminded
me of something I had read elsewhere. I wish I had more information as to
the nickname, but from what I gather it came to be as a result of the black
color scheme of the leather, fittings, hilt, and grip of the entire package.
So Paolo and I agreed it would have blackened details, and a black leather
covered grip and scabbard.

I can tell you, as I sit here typing, when I look over to where the saber
sits sheathed on its stand, there seems to be a " black aura " if you will,
embracing the sword.