Antique Backsword

Teisani · 22nd January 2023, 10:11 AM

The blade looks old but also cut down. Don't know about the sun etching. The double fullers look similar to those on this British 1788 pattern heavy cavalry sword. https://www.militariahub.com/wp-cont...YCAVTROOP2.jpg
So I would guess late 1700s to early 1800s.
Regarding the hilt... no idea.

stilgar · 22nd January 2023, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teisani

The blade looks old but also cut down. Don't know about the sun etching. The double fullers look similar to those on this British 1788 pattern heavy cavalry sword. https://www.militariahub.com/wp-cont...YCAVTROOP2.jpg
So I would guess late 1700s to early 1800s.
Regarding the hilt... no idea.

Thanks a lot!

David R · 22nd January 2023, 04:10 PM

It's a reused blade in an ethnic hilt, possibly Berber, try it in the ethnic forum.

Jim McDougall · 22nd January 2023, 04:49 PM

This is indeed a cut down cavalry blade of 1780s-90s possibly French, certainly European, could be British. This type of wood hilt is typically associated with regions in Tunisia and environs. It is hard to say how long this blade circulated in this sphere, but backswords do seem to be seen on these types .

fernando · 22nd January 2023, 05:22 PM

Let us then move this topic to the Ethno forum, to see how further things develop on the hilt.

Peter Andeweg · 23rd January 2023, 09:53 AM

This is a Berber sword, most of these are attributed to Tunesia. The hilt is made of horn, which sometimes looks like wood. Many local and European import blades were used. Often with a self-made leather scabbard. Many are decorated with European marks such as crescent moon and eyelash marks which originate in Germany and Italy. It dates from the 19th century.

In 1954, Henri Lhote writes the following in his book ‘Note on the origin of Tuareg’s sword blades‘:

”II and III- Genovese marks, but also done in Germany, in Solingen, by Clemens Stamm (circa 1590); in Italy, in Padua, by Pietrus Antonio Furmigano (circa 1565); in Spain, by Juan Martinez from Toledo (circa 1565) and also by Pedro de Belmonte, of which we already spoke. The Tuareg craftsmen, who call that mark ayor, the moon, or télit, have imitated it frequently.”

He referred to an illustration which I will try to add. Another photo is added of an arms dealer in Tripoli selling a similar sword.

fernando · 23rd January 2023, 10:15 AM

Great input, Peter

.

23rd January 2023, 09:53 AM	#6
Peter Andeweg Member Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Vlissingen, Netherlands Posts: 71	This is a Berber sword, most of these are attributed to Tunesia. The hilt is made of horn, which sometimes looks like wood. Many local and European import blades were used. Often with a self-made leather scabbard. Many are decorated with European marks such as crescent moon and eyelash marks which originate in Germany and Italy. It dates from the 19th century. In 1954, Henri Lhote writes the following in his book ‘Note on the origin of Tuareg’s sword blades‘: ”II and III- Genovese marks, but also done in Germany, in Solingen, by Clemens Stamm (circa 1590); in Italy, in Padua, by Pietrus Antonio Furmigano (circa 1565); in Spain, by Juan Martinez from Toledo (circa 1565) and also by Pedro de Belmonte, of which we already spoke. The Tuareg craftsmen, who call that mark ayor, the moon, or télit, have imitated it frequently.” He referred to an illustration which I will try to add. Another photo is added of an arms dealer in Tripoli selling a similar sword. Attached Images

22nd January 2023, 10:11 AM	#1
Teisani Member Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: Romania Posts: 314	The blade looks old but also cut down. Don't know about the sun etching. The double fullers look similar to those on this British 1788 pattern heavy cavalry sword. https://www.militariahub.com/wp-cont...YCAVTROOP2.jpg So I would guess late 1700s to early 1800s. Regarding the hilt... no idea.

22nd January 2023, 04:10 PM	#3
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,055	It's a reused blade in an ethnic hilt, possibly Berber, try it in the ethnic forum.

22nd January 2023, 04:49 PM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,785	This is indeed a cut down cavalry blade of 1780s-90s possibly French, certainly European, could be British. This type of wood hilt is typically associated with regions in Tunisia and environs. It is hard to say how long this blade circulated in this sphere, but backswords do seem to be seen on these types .

22nd January 2023, 05:22 PM	#5
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,650	Let us then move this topic to the Ethno forum, to see how further things develop on the hilt.

23rd January 2023, 10:15 AM	#7
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,650	Great input, Peter .