Is this a common Arab Saif ?

Michael Blalock · 29th March 2018, 12:21 AM

Here is one I have.

fernando · 29th March 2018, 03:07 PM

Excelent example, Mchael.
An European blade ?

.

fernando · 30th March 2018, 05:35 PM

I have been trying to figure out was is the purpose of that little ring near the top of the scabbard, which i later associate with that little strap in one of the examples in Hale's work. My first thought was that this must be some kind of decoration, seen in some Saif scabbard examples.
But then i saw a thread in that Jens shows how a loop was present in some Indian scabbards, alledgely for the purpose to loop over a handle quillon to prevent the sword from slipping out.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=23764.

This is a rather long shot, plus i notice that the (woven silver) strap in Hale's example seems a bit short for that but, could it either stretch by pulling it up, or by means of some material elasticity ?
Any better ideas, Gentlemen ?

.

fernando · 1st April 2018, 06:56 PM

The more i think about these little appendixes being a 'lock' system, the more i am convinced. Look at these examples, how suggestive they are ... specially the one in the center.
(Courtesy Oriental Arms).

.

kai · 3rd April 2018, 11:43 AM

Hello Fernando,

Quote:

The more i think about these little appendixes being a 'lock' system, the more i am convinced.

Yes, I believe this is a suitable explanation for their function: The distance seems to be correct (also for the example in Bob's book) and the ring is consistently much weaker than those for the carrying loops!

Regards,
Kai

Victrix · 3rd April 2018, 12:25 PM

What about the little chains linking the quillon with the pommel? Is that merely for decoration? Surely their purpose is not to act as a knuckle guard as they are too flimsy for that.

fernando · 3rd April 2018, 02:09 PM

Thank you for your favourable thoughts, Kai.

Victrix i take it that, the chain in place of the knuckle guard is a fashion practiced in diverse swords of diverse countries, and often discussed out there. I confess i ignore what is the consensual conclusion from such dicussions.

Jim McDougall · 16th April 2019, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Victrix

What about the little chains linking the quillon with the pommel? Is that merely for decoration? Surely their purpose is not to act as a knuckle guard as they are too flimsy for that.

Victrix, very pertinent question. These decorative chain guards are just that, and designed to enhance the embellishment of dress and court swords in many countries. Obviously there is no protective intent as the solid knuckle guard seen on many swords are theoretically for.

29th March 2018, 12:21 AM	#1
Michael Blalock Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: dc Posts: 271	Here is one I have. Attached Images Last edited by Michael Blalock; 29th March 2018 at 11:35 AM.

30th March 2018, 05:35 PM	#3
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,645	I have been trying to figure out was is the purpose of that little ring near the top of the scabbard, which i later associate with that little strap in one of the examples in Hale's work. My first thought was that this must be some kind of decoration, seen in some Saif scabbard examples. But then i saw a thread in that Jens shows how a loop was present in some Indian scabbards, alledgely for the purpose to loop over a handle quillon to prevent the sword from slipping out. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=23764. This is a rather long shot, plus i notice that the (woven silver) strap in Hale's example seems a bit short for that but, could it either stretch by pulling it up, or by means of some material elasticity ? Any better ideas, Gentlemen ? . Attached Images

1st April 2018, 06:56 PM	#4
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,645	The more i think about these little appendixes being a 'lock' system, the more i am convinced. Look at these examples, how suggestive they are ... specially the one in the center. (Courtesy Oriental Arms). . Attached Images

29th March 2018, 03:07 PM	#2
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,645	Excelent example, Mchael. An European blade ? .

3rd April 2018, 12:25 PM	#6
Victrix Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Sweden Posts: 682	What about the little chains linking the quillon with the pommel? Is that merely for decoration? Surely their purpose is not to act as a knuckle guard as they are too flimsy for that.

3rd April 2018, 02:09 PM	#7
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,645	Thank you for your favourable thoughts, Kai. Victrix i take it that, the chain in place of the knuckle guard is a fashion practiced in diverse swords of diverse countries, and often discussed out there. I confess i ignore what is the consensual conclusion from such dicussions.