Viribus Unitis (Austro-hungarian Sword)

[satsujinken]

Originally Posted by fernando

So says Donny in his first post .
Maybe officer's swords of the period had both Emperor's initials and motto .
... or officers of the ship's garrison ?
Something not 'so hard' to confirm !

Hi Fernando

in the book I mentioned above, there are many swords, which is more elaborate than mine and all bearing the same emblem of double headed eagle and FJI monogram.

At first I believe that this sword is navy formal dress sword - based on the ship with the same name (VIRIBUS UNITIS) but the book said otherwise, and only stated that this is formal dress sword for higher officials, with no specific mention to navy or army.

the only problem is the Empire is no longer exist and relics are scattered worldwide, so information is very limited

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

I just wanted to note how delightful it is to see a weapon posted by someone along with details of thier own research and observations!!!!
Absolutely brilliant ! Well done Donny, thank you so much!
This prompted good return and informative exchange on the item by others. Good stuff guys.

thank you, Jim
I try my best to understand my collection and gather information for educational purposes, even though the resources here is limited - in light that this piece of history may not be forgotten and perhaps can be studied properly

and I am still wondering how on earth this piece of history from empire no longer exist stranded here in Indonesia, so far away from Austria

[Jim McDougall]

Donny, that is exactly to attitude and approach that I sincerely wish was more prevalent in the world of arms collecting! The weapons are the sentinels of the history they have seen, and altogether too many simply match the weapon to a picture in a book, classify it, and hang it on the wall.
Well done!

As to how it ended up in Indonesia, there are many possibilities, but without sound provenance only speculations can be offered. Naturally with the profound trade internationally which focused on the East Indies, there are many situations involving diplomatic and trade relations, and probably circumstances which would align with the period of the sword. Then of course, an item might have simply been brought back by someone who had contact with another and acquired the sword as an item of interest or curiosity.
There are countless cases of items turning up in completely incongruent circumstances vast distances away, but the global nature of trade routes, travel and networking is by far not a modern phenomenon.
Whatever the case, it is a wonderful sword, and again, thank you for sharing it here.

All the best,
Jim

[Dmitry]

This is an Austro-Hungarian civil servants' parade or court sword. Swords like this are frequently encountered on the market. The original scabbard had two gilt brass fittings, the top locked had a button on the front, to be worn on a shoulder sling.

[satsujinken]

Originally Posted by Dmitry

This is an Austro-Hungarian civil servants' parade or court sword. Swords like this are frequently encountered on the market. The original scabbard had two gilt brass fittings, the top locked had a button on the front, to be worn on a shoulder sling.

this is another enlightenment ... thank you Dmitry

is there any information on where I can purchase the scabbard ?? as mine is losing its scabbard

[Dmitry]

I would advise to just leave it the way it is. It would be difficult to find a period scabbard that would fit your blade.

This company can make you a new scabbard. To do a good job, I'd assume they would probably need to have your sword sent to them.
http://www.crisp-and-sons.com/aboutus.htm

[satsujinken]

Originally Posted by Dmitry

I would advise to just leave it the way it is. It would be difficult to find a period scabbard that would fit your blade.

This company can make you a new scabbard. To do a good job, I'd assume they would probably need to have your sword sent to them.
http://www.crisp-and-sons.com/aboutus.htm

thanks, Dmitry

really appreciate the information, but I am afraid that it's gonna cost me too much to send the sword to them