Hi everyone,
It's taken some time, but I finally got a picture of the flyssa at the Real Armeria in Madrid. Happily it is in very good condition, it still retains a leather belt and buckle.
At first glance, it is nearly identical to the classical flyssa form we know (see some of the
flyssa in my collection,
Dom's flyssa, and
Madsen's flyssafor comparison). There are some differences though, most striking being the scabbard and the hilt. The scabbard has simpler carving, while the hilt's floral decoration is fuller and much better defined. No scratches. Every scroll is fully formed. Notice also the lack of "eye". The dog or camel head is blind. Only floral scrolls. I wonder if this was a one-off. Anyway, lots of questions come to mind.
This example does show that the flyssa as we know it was fully developed by 1827.
I realize the picture I attached has poor resolution. I will re-post better shots in a few days.
Any thoughts?
Emanuel