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Old 9th April 2024, 02:03 PM   #1
milandro
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I would call this " lightning symbolism" on the guard , thunderbolts if you wish has a military connection with this symbol is communications, Telegraphists, Radio officer
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Old 16th April 2024, 12:20 AM   #2
kronckew
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The wire loops used to sew up the scabbard are often found on Ottoman scabbards.
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Old 16th April 2024, 09:34 AM   #3
mariusgmioc
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The scabbard is apparently a replacement and looks Turkish Ottoman.
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Old 16th April 2024, 07:38 PM   #4
Jim McDougall
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Certainly appears to be something produced during the British Raj in India, likely for some quasi military guard or police/security force, and inherently copying the British 'gothic' style officers hilts of 1822.

The cartouche on these typically had the cypher for Queen Victoria, however as British swordmakers later in the century began producing swords for other colonial entities, they often substituted pertinent other devices.

In this case, this is clearly a copy made in India replicating the feathered backstrap and cartouche in 'Gothic' structured hilt. The 'thunderbolts' likely represent the Vajra symbolism in Tantric Buddhism, and as noted, may apply to use of this sword in some uniform capacity for a unit as mentioned.

The scabbard is as noted an Ottoman associated (in style) example.
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Old 17th April 2024, 07:24 AM   #5
A.alnakkas
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can you take additional detailed images of the blade?
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Old 17th April 2024, 08:15 AM   #6
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as said before this is an insignia common among several armies in the world depicting a radio operator

the brass badge is by a RFC radio operator, the other one, probably Luftwaffe, is pretty much identical to the " crest" (Insigna) on the sword. Thus it's a western symbol.
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Old 17th April 2024, 01:40 PM   #7
Jim McDougall
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Thank you Milandro! Positive support for the military application of this symbol. This is truly unique and hoping we might find more on the military units that would incorporate these communications specialists.
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