Thoughts on this Nimcha(?)

vilhelmsson · 24th July 2019, 12:18 AM

Fernando, I wasn't sure if the curl of a 'J' was obscured by corrosion, but on second and third and fourth glance at the photo, it looks like you're right and this bladesmith was really Latining it up.

Jim and Teodor, Thank you for your insights. I don't know much about these swords except for what I've read in these forums.

Jim, I generally agree with you regarding cleaning, conservation, etc. I'm just not as sure what is appropriate within the sphere of collecting ethnograpica. But on reflection, it probably wouldn't be a good decision to do much at all to an engraved blade.

ariel · 24th July 2019, 03:59 AM

I am wondering whether it had ever had a crossguard.
As to the degree of restoration, there are 2 schools: one ( Artzi Yarom or Charles, for example) believe that weapons should be returned to their fighting condition; another ( Jim, myself and many others) cherish “ kisses of time”. Both are based on solid grounds, and the choice belongs to the owner. Your argument about engravings is fully legitimate.
My exceptions are severe mechanical deterioration and uncovering features hidden by patina ( mainly Damascus construction). Others will think differently.
Wallace Collection is full of highly polished but not etched blades. My guess that many of them are wootz.
There are as many collections as there are collectors.

BTW, very good nimcha !

Iain · 24th July 2019, 11:48 AM

The others have summed this up quite well, almost certainly a northern Italian blade of the late 16th century.

I think this likely had a guard at some point, however it still remains one of the most interesting nimcha I have seen in quite some time. Congratulations!

Kubur · 24th July 2019, 02:17 PM

Hi guys

I agree with all above.
I also think that the hilt is older and the guard is missing.
I would like to add that it is probably an Algerian nimcha.

Kubur

vilhelmsson · 24th July 2019, 06:03 PM

Thank you all. I think the observations that the sword originally had a guard are correct. The photo below makes it look as if something was originally attached to the top of the hill. And the corrosion patterns in the ricasso are slightly different than the rest of the blade suggesting that something may have originally been there..

ariel · 25th July 2019, 05:17 AM

Agree.

24th July 2019, 02:17 PM	#4
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	Hi guys I agree with all above. I also think that the hilt is older and the guard is missing. I would like to add that it is probably an Algerian nimcha. Kubur Attached Images

24th July 2019, 06:03 PM	#5
vilhelmsson Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Bay Area Posts: 57	Thank you all. I think the observations that the sword originally had a guard are correct. The photo below makes it look as if something was originally attached to the top of the hill. And the corrosion patterns in the ricasso are slightly different than the rest of the blade suggesting that something may have originally been there.. Attached Images

24th July 2019, 12:18 AM	#1
vilhelmsson Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Bay Area Posts: 57	Fernando, I wasn't sure if the curl of a 'J' was obscured by corrosion, but on second and third and fourth glance at the photo, it looks like you're right and this bladesmith was really Latining it up. Jim and Teodor, Thank you for your insights. I don't know much about these swords except for what I've read in these forums. Jim, I generally agree with you regarding cleaning, conservation, etc. I'm just not as sure what is appropriate within the sphere of collecting ethnograpica. But on reflection, it probably wouldn't be a good decision to do much at all to an engraved blade.

24th July 2019, 03:59 AM	#2
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	I am wondering whether it had ever had a crossguard. As to the degree of restoration, there are 2 schools: one ( Artzi Yarom or Charles, for example) believe that weapons should be returned to their fighting condition; another ( Jim, myself and many others) cherish “ kisses of time”. Both are based on solid grounds, and the choice belongs to the owner. Your argument about engravings is fully legitimate. My exceptions are severe mechanical deterioration and uncovering features hidden by patina ( mainly Damascus construction). Others will think differently. Wallace Collection is full of highly polished but not etched blades. My guess that many of them are wootz. There are as many collections as there are collectors. BTW, very good nimcha !

24th July 2019, 11:48 AM	#3
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,717	The others have summed this up quite well, almost certainly a northern Italian blade of the late 16th century. I think this likely had a guard at some point, however it still remains one of the most interesting nimcha I have seen in quite some time. Congratulations!

25th July 2019, 05:17 AM	#6
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Agree.