Pala - antique or repro?!

mariusgmioc · 9th March 2017, 12:52 PM

@ Motan

Very interesting indeed!

Thank you very much!

However, I believe the sheath with the silver thread joining of the leather on the front face of the scabbard is rather typical Turkish.

I am surprised to notice they wore their swords edge up.

@ Kubur,

I agree. I would have said Turkish but in the Balkans the styles were so much intertwined that it would be close to impossible to certainly allocate a precise geographical location.
Besides, there were many Turkish smiths who travelled with the Turkish army and then setled in the Balkans.

motan · 9th March 2017, 05:13 PM

Could it be that the blade is original Ottoman, but the kofgari is recently "re-done"? This is very common practice nowdays, epecially in Rhajastan. Another option is that it has been bought new or almost new by a collector and was kept well ever since, like many other pieces in very good condition.
Kubur, nice early photos (1900?). Both are from Syria.

mariusgmioc · 9th March 2017, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motan

Could it be that the blade is original Ottoman, but the kofgari is recently "re-done"?

Of course it could. But in my opinion not very likely.

But it also could be that it has been well cared in a collection. The overall condition of the sword is very good and it definitely isn't unfathomable that a 19th century sword retained all its koftgari.

I also have a couple of 19th century Yataghans retainig almost 100% of their extensive orignal koftgari.

YataganMan · 18th March 2017, 09:12 PM

Yes this Pala is all genuine late 19 cent production ,Hilt plates are Water Buffalo horn well patinated by sweat.I have seen many examples of this kind of hilts
over the years.The koftgari work represents typical Turkish (Anatolian style) and is in very good condition.A good buy congs.

mariusgmioc · 19th March 2017, 11:23 AM

Thanks!

Can you read the cartouche?

Regards,

Marius

9th March 2017, 05:13 PM	#2
motan Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Jerusalem Posts: 274	Damscus?? Could it be that the blade is original Ottoman, but the kofgari is recently "re-done"? This is very common practice nowdays, epecially in Rhajastan. Another option is that it has been bought new or almost new by a collector and was kept well ever since, like many other pieces in very good condition. Kubur, nice early photos (1900?). Both are from Syria.

9th March 2017, 12:52 PM	#1
mariusgmioc Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Austria Posts: 1,911	@ Motan Very interesting indeed! Thank you very much! However, I believe the sheath with the silver thread joining of the leather on the front face of the scabbard is rather typical Turkish. I am surprised to notice they wore their swords edge up. @ Kubur, I agree. I would have said Turkish but in the Balkans the styles were so much intertwined that it would be close to impossible to certainly allocate a precise geographical location. Besides, there were many Turkish smiths who travelled with the Turkish army and then setled in the Balkans.

18th March 2017, 09:12 PM	#4
YataganMan Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 14	Yes this Pala is all genuine late 19 cent production ,Hilt plates are Water Buffalo horn well patinated by sweat.I have seen many examples of this kind of hilts over the years.The koftgari work represents typical Turkish (Anatolian style) and is in very good condition.A good buy congs.

19th March 2017, 11:23 AM	#5
mariusgmioc Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Austria Posts: 1,911	Thanks! Can you read the cartouche? Regards, Marius