Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

kai · 29th April 2019, 08:08 AM

I agree with Jose that this blade is a really good catch!

Based on the flow of lines and surface condition, I'd be inclined to place the blade at mid-19th century to Span-Am war period rather than any earlier.

There is a good chance that the narrow engraved lines once had silver inlay; however, the motif close to the tip was a bit crudely cut. Maybe there is no undercut for better retention of any inlay?

The scabbard seems to be a later replacement which might be consistent with a WWII scenario. I'd try to remove the varnish after carefully glueing the recent crack (traditional wood glue, possibly with a de-oiling step for tropical woods; I reckon the wood is not really heavy hardwood though?).

BTW, aren't the service numbers from Victoria accessible?

Regards,
Kai

29th April 2019, 08:08 AM	#3
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,221	I agree with Jose that this blade is a really good catch! Based on the flow of lines and surface condition, I'd be inclined to place the blade at mid-19th century to Span-Am war period rather than any earlier. There is a good chance that the narrow engraved lines once had silver inlay; however, the motif close to the tip was a bit crudely cut. Maybe there is no undercut for better retention of any inlay? The scabbard seems to be a later replacement which might be consistent with a WWII scenario. I'd try to remove the varnish after carefully glueing the recent crack (traditional wood glue, possibly with a de-oiling step for tropical woods; I reckon the wood is not really heavy hardwood though?). BTW, aren't the service numbers from Victoria accessible? Regards, Kai Last edited by kai; 29th April 2019 at 12:01 PM.