Wallachian Swords of the 15th Century: What Types?

Teisani · 27th February 2023, 11:29 AM

Since I don't know much about medieval European swords, would like to ask fellow forum members, what is your opinion on the Moldovan swords at the Topkapi palace(posted earlier), what period, what type, what manufacture...?

Teisani · 27th February 2023, 03:03 PM

Tomb effigy of Wallachian boyar, Mateiaș Postelnicul died at the age of 17 in 1652 - son of Udriște Năsturel and Maria Corbeanu, adopted by his uncle, Wallachian ruler Matei Basarab (born circa 1588, ruled 1632 - 1654). It formerly resided at the Târgovişte monastery, Wallachia. It represents a prince in the characteristic costume of the 17th century, dressed in a caftan finished with buttons up to the chest and fastened in the middle with a belt, and above a cloak with a collar, turned over the shoulders and with sleeves. The details of the ornamentation on the chest of the caftan are similar to the golden thread coils found in the tomb itself in 1965. Things aren't certain, but the theory goes that it was commisioned in 1652 by Matei Basarab, from a master named Elias Nicolai that was from Sibiu, Transylvania. Nicolai also likely made the voivode's effigy (1654) and that of his wife's (1653). Basarab's first effigy was destroyed in the seimen & dorobanţ revolt in 1655. A second effigy was commisioned by voivode Constantin Şerban from the same Elias Nicolai (according to documents in Cluj, Transylvania). Howevert it was only installed only in 1658 at Arnota monastery, Wallachia, when Basarab's body was moved there from Târgovişte by Mihnea III Radu (according to Matei basarab's wishes).
http://clasate.cimec.ro/Detaliu.asp?...0febf1a2c2775e
http://galeriaportretelor.ro/item/matei-basarab-9/
http://galeriaportretelor.ro/item/matei-basarab/

The primay source for this info is "Memory from the past, display for the future - early modern funeral monuments from the Transylvanian principality by Dóra Mérai (2017)". An excelent resource!

Notes: although very deteriorated, one can see the sabre at his side, and his typical for the time clothing.

Reventlov · 27th February 2023, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teisani

Since I don't know much about medieval European swords, would like to ask fellow forum members, what is your opinion on the Moldovan swords at the Topkapi palace(posted earlier), what period, what type, what manufacture...?

I can comment on this, and share more of the information I have collected on the interesting features that appear in late medieval swords from Southeastern Europe... maybe in a new thread to focus on this earlier time period, but with wider geographic view?

Teisani · 27th February 2023, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reventlov

...maybe in a new thread to focus on this earlier time period, but with wider geographic view?

Sounds great!

27th February 2023, 03:03 PM	#2
Teisani Member Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: Romania Posts: 314	Tomb effigy of Wallachian boyar, Mateiaș Postelnicul died at the age of 17 in 1652 - son of Udriște Năsturel and Maria Corbeanu, adopted by his uncle, Wallachian ruler Matei Basarab (born circa 1588, ruled 1632 - 1654). It formerly resided at the Târgovişte monastery, Wallachia. It represents a prince in the characteristic costume of the 17th century, dressed in a caftan finished with buttons up to the chest and fastened in the middle with a belt, and above a cloak with a collar, turned over the shoulders and with sleeves. The details of the ornamentation on the chest of the caftan are similar to the golden thread coils found in the tomb itself in 1965. Things aren't certain, but the theory goes that it was commisioned in 1652 by Matei Basarab, from a master named Elias Nicolai that was from Sibiu, Transylvania. Nicolai also likely made the voivode's effigy (1654) and that of his wife's (1653). Basarab's first effigy was destroyed in the seimen & dorobanţ revolt in 1655. A second effigy was commisioned by voivode Constantin Şerban from the same Elias Nicolai (according to documents in Cluj, Transylvania). Howevert it was only installed only in 1658 at Arnota monastery, Wallachia, when Basarab's body was moved there from Târgovişte by Mihnea III Radu (according to Matei basarab's wishes). http://clasate.cimec.ro/Detaliu.asp?...0febf1a2c2775e http://galeriaportretelor.ro/item/matei-basarab-9/ http://galeriaportretelor.ro/item/matei-basarab/ The primay source for this info is "Memory from the past, display for the future - early modern funeral monuments from the Transylvanian principality by Dóra Mérai (2017)". An excelent resource! Notes: although very deteriorated, one can see the sabre at his side, and his typical for the time clothing. Attached Images Last edited by Teisani; 27th February 2023 at 03:58 PM.

27th February 2023, 11:29 AM	#1
Teisani Member Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: Romania Posts: 314	Since I don't know much about medieval European swords, would like to ask fellow forum members, what is your opinion on the Moldovan swords at the Topkapi palace(posted earlier), what period, what type, what manufacture...?