A Portuguese officer sword

Philip · 14th November 2010, 08:04 PM

Fernando,
Bravo, muito bem!
And to think that you found this prize upon return from an already successful hunt.

Good to see an example of a silver assay "worm" on a Portuguese item. I've encountered it for years on the hilt and scabbard fittings of high quality Ottoman swords and daggers, a similar concept and about the same length. In the case of Turkish work, the worm is accompanied by a hallmark based on the tughra or monogram of the reigning sultan.

I am puzzled and amazed at the area of bluing at the forte of your sword. It has a rainbow hue that seems rather unique in my experience. Typically the color is the very deep iridescent blue, often taking a purplish tinge. Am wondering if the blade was made in Solingen but the decoration might have been applied in Portugal.

In any case, this is a beautiful piece and you are so fortunate in that the leather scabbard is in fine condition -- usually this is the first area to deteriorate or fall apart.

14th November 2010, 08:04 PM	#4
Philip Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: California Posts: 1,036	bichinha / bluing Fernando, Bravo, muito bem! And to think that you found this prize upon return from an already successful hunt. Good to see an example of a silver assay "worm" on a Portuguese item. I've encountered it for years on the hilt and scabbard fittings of high quality Ottoman swords and daggers, a similar concept and about the same length. In the case of Turkish work, the worm is accompanied by a hallmark based on the tughra or monogram of the reigning sultan. I am puzzled and amazed at the area of bluing at the forte of your sword. It has a rainbow hue that seems rather unique in my experience. Typically the color is the very deep iridescent blue, often taking a purplish tinge. Am wondering if the blade was made in Solingen but the decoration might have been applied in Portugal. In any case, this is a beautiful piece and you are so fortunate in that the leather scabbard is in fine condition -- usually this is the first area to deteriorate or fall apart.