Fantastic discussion guys!! and it is great to see everyone considering each others observations and offering constructive and well thought out rebuttal or reinforced ideas. What is really fun is the foray into the arcane esoterica of the Freemasons, botanical history of the pineapple and its place in myth and material culture, the dynamics of fencing and swordblade style and folklore of the sword, Theosophic perspective on arcane symbolism etc.... and all generated by this most unusual sword! Absolutely outstanding, and reading these well thought out posts and observations is the best.
In my repeated returns to looking at this sword, along with the developing discourse here, I keep returning to my original perspective on this being a Masonic tylers sword, despite all the merits of other observations offered suggesting India, Indonesia or those spheres of culture. As Rick has noted, the swept and outward design of the hilt does reflect the Indonesian style, but of course swept hilt rapier design, as well as asymmetrical hilts were a well known European feature.
There has long been considerable debate on the effectiveness of wavy, serrated and dentated blades, and I typically rely on the expertise on those well versed in martial arts dynamics for opinion on this subject. However, in most references I recall offhand, it does seem that these visually attractive blades were most often intended for parade, processional or symbolic purpose. It seems that by 'the book', these undulating blades carry more mass in similar length and 'more cutting surface', however it would seem to me that sometimes actual application of certain dynamics might not be so effective. I'd rather avoid the complexity of this discussion here, but its just my opinion, based mostly on various comments I have read, and the fact that these blades are seemingly rather uncommon that seems to affect my thoughts. The wavy blade of the keris will of course be brought in here, but I would submit that in my understanding, the 'luk' or waves seem to have more of an esoteric purpose than actual practical or combat purpose.
I think that the excellent 16th century Italian rapier posted by Norman is a telling example, and that Italian, Spanish and Portuguese weapons typically have profound similarities reinforces the characteristics of this piece. As Manuel has noted, the flammard was distinctly known in Spain, but further notes the negative connotation observed by the Catholic Church. With this being the case, the arcane and somewhat occult symbolism that is often applied to Masonic interpretation is somewhat recalled here.
As Norman has noted, the pommel seems cast, and I would suggest as well that the hilt itself seems cast, rather than chiselled as with most early rapier hilts I am familiar with. The addition of the metal adaptor to reinforce the blade suggests as noted that the blade and hilt were brought together as entirely separate components rather than made for each other. The fact that the blade, as noted by David, seems well forged and apparantly finely made may suggest it might have been from one of the earlier flammards of the form mentioned by Manuel.
It is well known that swords with either heirloom status or from various types of donorship in the deep brotherhood of Masonry, have often been placed in the honorary regalia of the Tyler. As I have mentioned, in later times, I believe even to this day, swords from early military status, as well as more modern replicas, may be in use in this capacity. I think at this point, I will remain with the idea that this may well be a well made, and refurbished blade mounted in neoclassic hilt for Masonic use.
All best regards,
Jim
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