![]() |
|
![]() |
#1 |
Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 67
|
![]()
The "arrows" in the guard motif are reminiscent of depictions of Jupiter's thunderbolts, but the classic representation includes several other elements that aren't apparent here.
The rather crude casting of the guard suggests it wasn't made in western Europe. The hilt appears to be based on that of a p1822 British infantry officer's sword. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Member
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 487
|
![]()
I would call this " lightning symbolism" on the guard , thunderbolts if you wish has a military connection with this symbol is communications, Telegraphists, Radio officer
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Room 101, Glos. UK
Posts: 4,215
|
![]()
The wire loops used to sew up the scabbard are often found on Ottoman scabbards.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Austria
Posts: 1,906
|
![]()
The scabbard is apparently a replacement and looks Turkish Ottoman.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Arms Historian
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
Posts: 10,189
|
![]()
Certainly appears to be something produced during the British Raj in India, likely for some quasi military guard or police/security force, and inherently copying the British 'gothic' style officers hilts of 1822.
The cartouche on these typically had the cypher for Queen Victoria, however as British swordmakers later in the century began producing swords for other colonial entities, they often substituted pertinent other devices. In this case, this is clearly a copy made in India replicating the feathered backstrap and cartouche in 'Gothic' structured hilt. The 'thunderbolts' likely represent the Vajra symbolism in Tantric Buddhism, and as noted, may apply to use of this sword in some uniform capacity for a unit as mentioned. The scabbard is as noted an Ottoman associated (in style) example. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Kuwait
Posts: 1,340
|
![]()
can you take additional detailed images of the blade?
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Member
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 487
|
![]()
as said before this is an insignia common among several armies in the world depicting a radio operator
the brass badge is by a RFC radio operator, the other one, probably Luftwaffe, is pretty much identical to the " crest" (Insigna) on the sword. Thus it's a western symbol. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
|