An Italian Falchion

ulfberth · 15th January 2020, 01:04 PM

The round pommel is Original and just a variation on this type of falchion, as you can see on this piscture of the antique arms museum in San Marino Italy and in various books.
kind regards
Ulfberth

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndreaFeraro89

In my opinion is a north Italian storta, or coltella, I am 99% sure of this, pommel does not belong originally with the sword, the "classic" pommel for this tipe of sword is the one mounted in the example posted by @Cerjak.

About the guard, could be a local style, it seems that the "base" is the classic storta guard with added extra arms on the side.

Here you can see a storta made in Caino (near Brescia).

Also Decorations on the blade confirms that has been made in Italy.

Here you can find some additional infos about this tipology of sword.
https://www.hema-minsk2019.org/base_...ibition-part-3

About the SZ mark...yes could be an arsenal mark, considering this is a infantry weapon, very common and cheap. On the other hand there are many examples about initials of the maker in Italian blades.

Cheers
Giovanni

AndreaFeraro89 · 15th January 2020, 09:41 PM

In the 99% of the original I have seen the pommel has flat sides, you can found very complex decorations and forms, but the geometry has that charateristic.

I am sorry but a round pommel makes me suspicious on this swords.
Too easy to take a rapier or a sidesword pommel and to complete a storta.

I have had chance to read old bills (XIX cent) of "restoration" of important arms and armour collection. You can not imagine how many pieces has been "completed" with old parts or ex-novo pieces.
My experience has made me very suspicious even to the books.

Just my two cents

Cheers
Giovanni

ulfberth · 16th January 2020, 09:56 AM

I understand, but the geometry or style of the hilts branches, wich is faceted returns in the pommel also faceted. One also needs learn how the see the difference between recent composits or working life assembly. In this period these items were not reglementary made , as you can see in the museum were they are showing the different variations.This is what my experience tells me , I have been collecting for more than 42 years.
kind regards
Ulfberth

Victrix · 17th January 2020, 11:07 AM

A wellknown German auction house had this interesting sword up for sale last year. It is marked AVODNES which is not familiar to me. Backwards it’s SENDOVA which might make more sense but no more familiar.

midelburgo · 20th January 2020, 05:37 PM

I think I saw recently similar examples at Venice Ducal Armoury. The book by Umberto Franzoi shall be coming to me.

midelburgo · 24th January 2020, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by midelburgo

I think I saw recently similar examples at Venice Ducal Armoury. The book by Umberto Franzoi shall be coming to me.

Actually there is a sword there (not falchion, not a rapier) with the exact guard. Plate 76. Different pommel too.

16th January 2020, 09:56 AM	#3
ulfberth Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 412	I understand, but the geometry or style of the hilts branches, wich is faceted returns in the pommel also faceted. One also needs learn how the see the difference between recent composits or working life assembly. In this period these items were not reglementary made , as you can see in the museum were they are showing the different variations.This is what my experience tells me , I have been collecting for more than 42 years. kind regards Ulfberth Last edited by ulfberth; 16th January 2020 at 10:17 AM.

17th January 2020, 11:07 AM	#4
Victrix Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Sweden Posts: 755	A wellknown German auction house had this interesting sword up for sale last year. It is marked AVODNES which is not familiar to me. Backwards it’s SENDOVA which might make more sense but no more familiar. Attached Images Last edited by Victrix; 18th January 2020 at 09:13 AM.

15th January 2020, 09:41 PM	#2
AndreaFeraro89 Member Join Date: Jan 2020 Posts: 13	In the 99% of the original I have seen the pommel has flat sides, you can found very complex decorations and forms, but the geometry has that charateristic. I am sorry but a round pommel makes me suspicious on this swords. Too easy to take a rapier or a sidesword pommel and to complete a storta. I have had chance to read old bills (XIX cent) of "restoration" of important arms and armour collection. You can not imagine how many pieces has been "completed" with old parts or ex-novo pieces. My experience has made me very suspicious even to the books. Just my two cents Cheers Giovanni

20th January 2020, 05:37 PM	#5
midelburgo Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 263	I think I saw recently similar examples at Venice Ducal Armoury. The book by Umberto Franzoi shall be coming to me.