Medieval islamic sword on ebay

Rick · 12th October 2006, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ariel

Not vice versa?

Wiseass

ariel · 13th October 2006, 04:17 PM

Sorry, just couldn't resist: you gave such a good opening

Rick · 13th October 2006, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ariel

Sorry, just couldn't resist: you gave such a good opening

I'm well known for doing that Ariel .

At any rate; back to the sword in question; if indeed the grip length is 10cm then that would seem an acceptable size.

True medieval swords are such rarities these days and the market is filled with fakes; this may explain why this piece went for short money .

If it is genuine then someone got a hell of a deal .

ALEX · 13th October 2006, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

If it is genuine then someone got a hell of a deal .

Rick,

I must notice that it has not been sold for the reason of not meeting the reserve price.

Also, how one can tell of authenticity of a sword like this without physically seeing it (unless it's wootz, of course)? Is it even possible?

ariel · 13th October 2006, 09:29 PM

Didn't Lee show some Alexandria arsenal crusaders' swords at Timonium? He may be the best person to consult.
Personally, I am puzzled about the evenness of the edges: this sword is quite rusty and shouldn't the edges be "eaten away" some more?

ALEX · 13th October 2006, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ariel

... shouldn't the edges be "eaten away" some more?

Good point Ariel! There are some nicks on the blade, and mostly too close to the hilt, but the edges look fairly smooth indeed.

Tim Simmons · 13th October 2006, 09:38 PM

I do not know much about these swords but the pommel alarms me then the guard. The biggest thing that gets me is,- If I had a genuine medieval sword or anything truely rare I would not be selling it on ebay. I think the answer must lay near there.

Jens Nordlunde · 13th October 2006, 09:57 PM

Yes Tim, This also made me wonder

.

Lee · 14th October 2006, 05:15 PM

Note that the seller closed the auction without selling the sword, owing to "an error in the listing." For sure. If this is genuine, it is worth large money and the seller probably realized he was in the wrong venue. There is presently a serious problem with fake medieval swords and one really must examine these swords up close and in person to separate treasure from trash.

Alex's question:
Also, how one can tell of authenticity of a sword like this without physically seeing it (unless it's wootz, of course)? Is it even possible?

My answer:
Very, very rarely one can see a picture and 'know' something is right. I was sent pictures of the Alexandria arsenal sword that came up improperly described at Waddington's in Toronto last year (but with no details on where and when the sale was being held) for my opinion and I was sure enough it was right that I would have have risked significant money on it. But 99% of the time, you must examine up close and in person.

13th October 2006, 09:57 PM	#8
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	Yes Tim, This also made me wonder.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

13th October 2006, 04:17 PM	#2
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Sorry, just couldn't resist: you gave such a good opening

13th October 2006, 09:29 PM	#5
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Didn't Lee show some Alexandria arsenal crusaders' swords at Timonium? He may be the best person to consult. Personally, I am puzzled about the evenness of the edges: this sword is quite rusty and shouldn't the edges be "eaten away" some more?

13th October 2006, 09:38 PM	#7
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,856	I do not know much about these swords but the pommel alarms me then the guard. The biggest thing that gets me is,- If I had a genuine medieval sword or anything truely rare I would not be selling it on ebay. I think the answer must lay near there.

14th October 2006, 05:15 PM	#9
Lee EAAF Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upstate New York, USA Posts: 937	Note that the seller closed the auction without selling the sword, owing to "an error in the listing." For sure. If this is genuine, it is worth large money and the seller probably realized he was in the wrong venue. There is presently a serious problem with fake medieval swords and one really must examine these swords up close and in person to separate treasure from trash. Alex's question: Also, how one can tell of authenticity of a sword like this without physically seeing it (unless it's wootz, of course)? Is it even possible? My answer: Very, very rarely one can see a picture and 'know' something is right. I was sent pictures of the Alexandria arsenal sword that came up improperly described at Waddington's in Toronto last year (but with no details on where and when the sale was being held) for my opinion and I was sure enough it was right that I would have have risked significant money on it. But 99% of the time, you must examine up close and in person.