What is it?????????

Jim McDougall · 9th May 2007, 08:50 PM

This 'mystery' sword is as noted, completely composite, and the blade is of course the standard Spanish colonial dragoon blade, as Lee has pointed out.
During the later years of the 19th century, especially after the Civil War, many of these Spanish blades turned up throughout the U.S, whether in fully mounted swords, or the blades alone. It was not at all uncommon to have these blades turn up in Masonic or varied fraternal regalia, and it is well known that Oriental mystery (including Egypt, Japan, China, Arabia etc,.as part of the scope included in the parlance of the times) was often the them for mountings on these swords.
This seems a regalia type sword most likely for either a Masonic tyler or perhaps one of the other fraternal orders, likely early 20th c.
In that sense it is indeed genuine, and mysteriously intriguing!

All the best,
Jim

katana · 9th May 2007, 11:25 PM

Hi Jim

,
thanks for the info. I think your opinion of the age of this sword is about right ....ie early 20th C .....but I wouldn't be surprised if it was mid to late 19c. The overall concept of the sword ...its overall appearance is IMHO some what spoiled by the 'clash' of guard and hilt.....a bit like putting a Picasso next door to a Michelangelo.....ah well beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Regards David

Rick · 10th May 2007, 02:24 AM

IMHO a marriage made in Hell .

Jim McDougall · 10th May 2007, 03:16 PM

LOL!!!

Excellent analogy David!!! and well said Rick

I do agee this could very well be earlier into the 19th c. Without real close examination forensically its hard to tell as judging by form or style has no real benchmark with neoclassic productions.

All the best,
Jim

katana · 10th May 2007, 06:07 PM

I have taken the liberty to post some pictures of the sword....for future reference.

10th May 2007, 06:07 PM	#5
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	I have taken the liberty to post some pictures of the sword....for future reference. Attached Images

9th May 2007, 08:50 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,281	This 'mystery' sword is as noted, completely composite, and the blade is of course the standard Spanish colonial dragoon blade, as Lee has pointed out. During the later years of the 19th century, especially after the Civil War, many of these Spanish blades turned up throughout the U.S, whether in fully mounted swords, or the blades alone. It was not at all uncommon to have these blades turn up in Masonic or varied fraternal regalia, and it is well known that Oriental mystery (including Egypt, Japan, China, Arabia etc,.as part of the scope included in the parlance of the times) was often the them for mountings on these swords. This seems a regalia type sword most likely for either a Masonic tyler or perhaps one of the other fraternal orders, likely early 20th c. In that sense it is indeed genuine, and mysteriously intriguing! All the best, Jim

9th May 2007, 11:25 PM	#2
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Hi Jim , thanks for the info. I think your opinion of the age of this sword is about right ....ie early 20th C .....but I wouldn't be surprised if it was mid to late 19c. The overall concept of the sword ...its overall appearance is IMHO some what spoiled by the 'clash' of guard and hilt.....a bit like putting a Picasso next door to a Michelangelo.....ah well beauty is in the eye of the beholder Regards David

10th May 2007, 02:24 AM	#3
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	IMHO a marriage made in Hell .

10th May 2007, 03:16 PM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,281	LOL!!! Excellent analogy David!!! and well said Rick I do agee this could very well be earlier into the 19th c. Without real close examination forensically its hard to tell as judging by form or style has no real benchmark with neoclassic productions. All the best, Jim