Ceremonial Sickle

templarnight · 8th August 2013, 03:30 PM

Hi.
Im trying to research this Sickle. Its around 25 x 27cm.
It has an inscription around the back edge in Latin Characters.
I am presuming its a Ceremonial piece for the cutting the first Harvest or similar?
Any ideas of age and provenance?

templarnight · 8th August 2013, 03:31 PM

More pics

Emanuel · 12th August 2013, 05:36 PM

Hello,

The construction is similar to that of Nepalese hasiya sickles:
http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=603
http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=11243 (original pics no longer available but IIRC the piece was quite similar to yours)

Very odd cutouts in the blade though. An unnecessary waste of material I think. This could be a more modern embellishment...

Regards,
Emanuel

fearn · 12th August 2013, 10:25 PM

What does the inscription say? I can't make it out.

F

kronckew · 13th August 2013, 09:21 AM

reminds me of no. italian brush cutters, called 'beidane', many have cutout decorations, hearts, etc. and a hook on the pommel to hang it on your belt. this looks like a fancy older sickle shaped one.

Thread discussed similar ones HERE

templarnight · 14th August 2013, 11:29 AM

The inscription is very difficult to read anything. Theres just the odd letter.

I also feel it is of European manufacture, the construction of the Barrel Handle is very similar to that of arrel Locks from the 17th century.

The Belt Hook is very similar so perhaps it is Italian?

David · 16th August 2013, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by templarnight

The inscription is very difficult to read anything. Theres just the odd letter.

That well may be ("just the odd letter") but it is possibly the key to our understanding of the piece. Can you make them out for us in the order of appearance on the blade. If we can find some meaning here we might be able to discern origin.

David · 16th August 2013, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emanuel

Very odd cutouts in the blade though. An unnecessary waste of material I think. This could be a more modern embellishment...

It is obviously not a practical blade. The cutouts may will hold a symbolic meaning and purpose. Not really a waste of materials as i would image that a smith would not throw iron away rather than reforge it.

I don't think these cutouts were added later. It seems the original design to me.

Billman · 18th September 2013, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by templarnight

The Belt Hook is very similar so perhaps it is Italian?

It's not a belt hook, it's a hand guard - but yes it is similar to those on Italian roncole & falci..

8th August 2013, 03:30 PM	#1
templarnight Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 87	Ceremonial Sickle Hi. Im trying to research this Sickle. Its around 25 x 27cm. It has an inscription around the back edge in Latin Characters. I am presuming its a Ceremonial piece for the cutting the first Harvest or similar? Any ideas of age and provenance? Attached Images

8th August 2013, 03:31 PM	#2
templarnight Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 87	More pics Attached Images

13th August 2013, 09:21 AM	#5
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,184	reminds me of no. italian brush cutters, called 'beidane', many have cutout decorations, hearts, etc. and a hook on the pommel to hang it on your belt. this looks like a fancy older sickle shaped one. Thread discussed similar ones HERE Last edited by kronckew; 13th August 2013 at 10:24 AM.

12th August 2013, 05:36 PM	#3
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	Hello, The construction is similar to that of Nepalese hasiya sickles: http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=603 http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=11243 (original pics no longer available but IIRC the piece was quite similar to yours) Very odd cutouts in the blade though. An unnecessary waste of material I think. This could be a more modern embellishment... Regards, Emanuel

12th August 2013, 10:25 PM	#4
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	What does the inscription say? I can't make it out. F

14th August 2013, 11:29 AM	#6
templarnight Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 87	The inscription is very difficult to read anything. Theres just the odd letter. I also feel it is of European manufacture, the construction of the Barrel Handle is very similar to that of arrel Locks from the 17th century. The Belt Hook is very similar so perhaps it is Italian?