Russian Guard axes - questions

wolviex · 28th November 2005, 05:50 PM

The book Ariel mentioned is beautiful indeed. There is a picture of an axe (my sketch of this axe below), but I wonder is it Guards axe, while in presentation text we can find information about "Ambassadorial Axe". But I believe it's a good hint anyway! On the picture we can see that axe is inlayed with gold wire, there is Russian two-headed eagle among the other plaits.

Regards!

Rivkin · 28th November 2005, 11:16 PM

These axes are very different from the ancient rus ones. Attached are status
(lords') axes of the northern areas.

Rivkin · 28th November 2005, 11:31 PM

I heard that A.V. Viskovatov "Histrocal description of cloth and arms of russian military" has some depictions of old Kremlin guard.

btw, could it be polish in origin? Seems these axes are more similar to the weapon of russian strelzy (Harcerzy): berdysz (I always thought its a polish word ?)

Rivkin · 28th November 2005, 11:44 PM

Ok, it is described as "ambassadorial axe, short version of berdysz". The name is that same as the name of the guards themselves - Rynda, it says that it translates as "knights". Was established in 1479 by Basil the third, their weapon was called "ambassodorial axe" because during Ivan the Terrible their role was limited to being present during the visits of foreign ambassadors, they did not leave the residence itself. Their role as guards was transferred to oprichniks' guard. Reappeared as guards after the abolition of oprichniks. Abolished by Peter the Great.

wolviex · 29th November 2005, 04:54 PM

Ha! Rynda! Google search help me to find that they were tar's personal bodyguards recruited from the noblemens, equipped with the best weapons and horses, always close to the emperor. There is a site with "Russian scale models" where is figurine of almost identical Rynda as on my picture, with axe, dated on 16th century. This axes (according to other forum - The Guild forums) are called "POSOLSKI TOPOR", but I have no idea what this "posolski" is meaning

. Most of the russian-language people are tending to call such axes "berdish/berdysz". Rivkin, I always thought it's Russian word

. Berdishes, in strictly todays meaning, were great axes, with long edge. They were in use first of all in Russia, then in 17th century in Poland. After the years, the "Berdish" word is often assign to just "big axe" I think.

Are you sure AMBASSADORIAL is the same as RYNDA? I always thought that ambassador is some kind of envoy from another country. And if Ambassadors were called Rynda, maybe it's just the same word for two different things? Uh, I think I will need some explanation before I get lost

Regards

Rivkin · 29th November 2005, 05:36 PM

Ryndas were bodyguards, not ambassadors; but they were always present during the reception of foreign ambassadors by Ivan the Terrible, therefore the name "ambassadorial (in russian - posolski) axe".

28th November 2005, 05:50 PM	#1
wolviex Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Poland, Krakow Posts: 418	The book Ariel mentioned is beautiful indeed. There is a picture of an axe (my sketch of this axe below), but I wonder is it Guards axe, while in presentation text we can find information about "Ambassadorial Axe". But I believe it's a good hint anyway! On the picture we can see that axe is inlayed with gold wire, there is Russian two-headed eagle among the other plaits. Regards! Attached Images

28th November 2005, 11:16 PM	#2
Rivkin Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 655	These axes are very different from the ancient rus ones. Attached are status (lords') axes of the northern areas. Attached Images

28th November 2005, 11:31 PM	#3
Rivkin Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 655	I heard that A.V. Viskovatov "Histrocal description of cloth and arms of russian military" has some depictions of old Kremlin guard. btw, could it be polish in origin? Seems these axes are more similar to the weapon of russian strelzy (Harcerzy): berdysz (I always thought its a polish word ?)

28th November 2005, 11:44 PM	#4
Rivkin Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 655	Ok, it is described as "ambassadorial axe, short version of berdysz". The name is that same as the name of the guards themselves - Rynda, it says that it translates as "knights". Was established in 1479 by Basil the third, their weapon was called "ambassodorial axe" because during Ivan the Terrible their role was limited to being present during the visits of foreign ambassadors, they did not leave the residence itself. Their role as guards was transferred to oprichniks' guard. Reappeared as guards after the abolition of oprichniks. Abolished by Peter the Great.

29th November 2005, 04:54 PM	#5
wolviex Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Poland, Krakow Posts: 418	Ha! Rynda! Google search help me to find that they were tar's personal bodyguards recruited from the noblemens, equipped with the best weapons and horses, always close to the emperor. There is a site with "Russian scale models" where is figurine of almost identical Rynda as on my picture, with axe, dated on 16th century. This axes (according to other forum - The Guild forums) are called "POSOLSKI TOPOR", but I have no idea what this "posolski" is meaning . Most of the russian-language people are tending to call such axes "berdish/berdysz". Rivkin, I always thought it's Russian word . Berdishes, in strictly todays meaning, were great axes, with long edge. They were in use first of all in Russia, then in 17th century in Poland. After the years, the "Berdish" word is often assign to just "big axe" I think. Are you sure AMBASSADORIAL is the same as RYNDA? I always thought that ambassador is some kind of envoy from another country. And if Ambassadors were called Rynda, maybe it's just the same word for two different things? Uh, I think I will need some explanation before I get lost Regards

29th November 2005, 05:36 PM	#6
Rivkin Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 655	Ryndas were bodyguards, not ambassadors; but they were always present during the reception of foreign ambassadors by Ivan the Terrible, therefore the name "ambassadorial (in russian - posolski) axe".