Questions about the Sardinian Sword, Leppa de chintu

Duccio · 29th January 2022, 03:50 PM

Hi Pitt,
the daggers in the photos you posted are actually Sardinian "Leppa de chintu" (belt blades); they are blades of variable length from 20-30 cm up to 50-60, with the handle typically made of horn or wood covered with a brass or silver sheet, with burin engravings.
It was a knife / sword used for defense, but also for more practical uses, as it has always been for the blades used by shepherds and farmers. It was certainly part of the traditional costume and was flaunted as a luxury accessory.
The photo you posted is part of a series that can be seen here:
https://www.tradizionisarde.com/vendita/39- Archive/27- Archive/214-antiche-leppe-sarde.html
and shows two ancient leppes, with horn handles.
Many leppe of those dating back to the mid-nineteenth century mount blades from Spain.
Some Sardinian artisans still produce highly decorated leppe today.

Pitt1999 · 29th January 2022, 10:11 PM

Thanks for the information! I knew that these were leppa de chintu, I guess I forgot to say that in the post. I've always liked the idea of a multipurpose sword that can be used for everything from ending a fight to picking mud from your boots or cutting branches from a tree. They seem like the perfect length for carrying while not getting in your way during the day. I imagine that I will probably never get to see an actual vintage/antique leppa de chintu in the U.S., but a guy can dream.

29th January 2022, 03:50 PM	#1
Duccio Member Join Date: May 2020 Location: Florence, Italy Posts: 64	Hi Pitt, the daggers in the photos you posted are actually Sardinian "Leppa de chintu" (belt blades); they are blades of variable length from 20-30 cm up to 50-60, with the handle typically made of horn or wood covered with a brass or silver sheet, with burin engravings. It was a knife / sword used for defense, but also for more practical uses, as it has always been for the blades used by shepherds and farmers. It was certainly part of the traditional costume and was flaunted as a luxury accessory. The photo you posted is part of a series that can be seen here: https://www.tradizionisarde.com/vendita/39- Archive/27- Archive/214-antiche-leppe-sarde.html and shows two ancient leppes, with horn handles. Many leppe of those dating back to the mid-nineteenth century mount blades from Spain. Some Sardinian artisans still produce highly decorated leppe today. Attached Images

29th January 2022, 10:11 PM	#2
Pitt1999 Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Posts: 108	Thanks for the information! I knew that these were leppa de chintu, I guess I forgot to say that in the post. I've always liked the idea of a multipurpose sword that can be used for everything from ending a fight to picking mud from your boots or cutting branches from a tree. They seem like the perfect length for carrying while not getting in your way during the day. I imagine that I will probably never get to see an actual vintage/antique leppa de chintu in the U.S., but a guy can dream.