Strange Yataghan

[Jens Nordlunde]

Wolviex, thank you for an excelent lecture, and thank you for exelent pictures.

Jens

[Jeff D]

Thank You Michal for the excellent dissertation and pictures, and to everyone else for the information on these interesting swords. I will be honest and admit I had never seen these before this thread.

thanks all
Jeff

P.S. I will provide the pints if any of you ever come out this way. Sorry Tim but bitters are almost impossible to get in N.A., at least in Western Canada.

[Jim McDougall]

I must apologize for delay in responding. I just wanted to thank Wolviex for the outstanding post and illustrations supporting the observations on the Chinese motif presence on European hunting hangers of the 18th century, beautifully done!!! I would like to note also that in reviewing some Austrian sabres of the 18th century they also had openings pierced in similar location on the upper grip, presumably for lanyard or sabre knot.

Jeff, I always admire your keen assessments of weapon 'forensics'. You have noted very astutely some important factors that suggest inconsistancy in this weapon. Since the components conform essentially to those seen on known sword examples of this period, I am still inclined to presume them original to the sword, although it would seem there has been rather inept attempt at cleaning the weapon. I also think the weapon was dismantled to clean the blade and guard, although the ferrule, thoroughly corroded, was of course not cleanable. Since it is obviously rusted through, it must have cracked in reassembly. The darkened deep pitting areas on the guard seem to be left from the overcleaning. If I am not mistaken, inconsistancies in corrosion or patination are often due to different metal composition or quality, as well as the manner of production of the metal of the components.The blade itself, rather than being a 'yataghan' blade, is of a form known to exist on these 'military' hangers.

While I would defer final judgement on the integrity of this example to hands on examination and to those much more experienced on appraisals, these are my observations based on what can be seen in the photos.

Best regards,
Jim

[Jeff D]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Since the components conform essentially to those seen on known sword examples of this period, I am still inclined to presume them original to the sword, although it would seem there has been rather inept attempt at cleaning the weapon. I also think the weapon was dismantled to clean the blade and guard, although the ferrule, thoroughly corroded, was of course not cleanable. Since it is obviously rusted through, it must have cracked in reassembly. The darkened deep pitting areas on the guard seem to be left from the overcleaning. If I am not mistaken, inconsistancies in corrosion or patination are often due to different metal composition or quality, as well as the manner of production of the metal of the components.The blade itself, rather than being a 'yataghan' blade, is of a form known to exist on these 'military' hangers.

Hi Jim,

I think unless more evidence is presented on this one, your final assesment stands. Now more importantly, does Lone Star make a bitter .

All the Best
Jeff