German Made Ethiopian Officer's Sword? ---- Comments

[Bill M]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6625514808&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&rd=1

Any ideas about the blade inscriptions?

Other comments? Don't hold back, now.....

[katana]

Nice,
the Heraldic device on the langet is familiar, but at present I can't recall its origin. Will try and find out and post it.

[kronckew]

it's haile sellasie's

http://lpdw.free.fr/jamaique/rastafari.jpg

someone else will have to decipher the etheopian markings. the thermometer symbol with the accompanying GG i think is a well known german trademark. nice sword, wish i'da been able to buy it...

[M.carter]

Ive handled an identical sword to this one, very nice, light, well balanced blade, very much a German cavalry saber. Thats all I can say about it.

[roanoa]

The LION OF JUDAH on one of the lanquettes is the symbol of Ethiopia, not of Haile Selassie. As a matter of fact, this sword pre-dates Haile Selassie of about 40 years. The other lanquette carries the Ethiopian alphabet letter M for MENELIK. The name MENELIK is written in full on one side of the blade. The writing on the other side is SAINT GEORGE. On the ricasso the writing is NIKOLA PROVIDER TO THE EMPEROR. This Nikola fellow was most likely the importer of these swords to Ethiopia at the time. Cheers.

[Bill M]

roanoa,

Thanks for the good info. If this predates Haile Selassie by about 40 years, that would make it about 1889-1911 for the term of Menelik II.
Or could this refer to Menelik I? Can't find any info on Menelik 1.

[roanoa]

Hi Bill. MENELIK I was the son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. That is, according to tradition. He fled Israel taking with him the Ark of the Covenant, went to the area now known as Ethiopia and founded the Solomonic Dinasty. Menelik II claimed to be of his blood line. Cheers, RON

[athena]

It seems a guy win at the last second?

Would like to see detailed pictures but there is empty. :confused: