Karabela... but is it genuine Polish?

[wolviex]

Of course it isn't karabela, and the name used for it was more like marketing concept to attract people. The proper name for this sword is Hungarian-Polish type of course, while many of these were used in both countries. Sabres like that one, used in Poland (up to the half of the 17th century, then it started to disappear, thought in Hungary last a little longer with some later variations) were usually mounted with blades from Genoa or made as Genoa blades, with characteristic 'sickles" stamps, thought of course you can find many other blades from Germany or made in Poland (probably) too.

This one (I'm sorry I'll be sincere) looks very fake to me. Leather it too new, the hilt is too heavy and clumsy. Even the steel, as far as I can conclude from the pictures, doesn't look ancient at all. Fake handle would be an answer for an eastern blade, attached to it just because it does look nice - my opinion.

I wouldn't like to discourage every Polish-arms lover but please beware, because there are many fakes of Hungarian-Polish sabres on auctions lately. Through many years there was a lack of these sabres and immediately some of the auction houses started to sell those sabres in many pieces - while no new historical source appeared! So it is suspected already!

I have to admit that I had in my hands quite a good copy recently too. With such grip, but very long and heavy blade, straight one, so it was a pallash. It was very good, and I thought about it few days with other people to find all evidences for it to be a fake. The blade was probably old, refitted to newer, Hungarian-Polish type handle, very heavy and bigger then usual, also with a hilt made like that one on ebay (thought a little better).

So maybe some pictures of real sabres for you :