Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Jim McDougall · 17th October 2022, 04:54 AM

First is a GURADE (SE curved saber) which is clearly German made and has the GG and thermometer (Ges Gesch=guarantee, the therrmometer believed FW Holler)often seen on various German made blades. In this case it is the entire sword made up for Abyssinian forces probably early 20th c. The M may be for one of the suppliers possibly in Harrar.
Note the distinct Lion of Judah symbol (for the rule of Menelik II, 1889-1913, later Haile Selassie) on the langet. The blade has acid etched Amharic script.

Next is a native gurade, with German made blade, note etched Lion of Judah, which seems consistent with these German examples for Abyssinia of the 1890s into early 20th c.
The hilt is rhino but left in its translucent state. The pommel decoration is used rather than often seen Maria Theresa thaler.

The native SHOTEL (DE curved), with what seems a native blade with typical raised midrif and likely 1870s+ and rhino hilt. These were used well through 1930s,

Just wanted to add these to illustrate the German blades, hilt variation, and the military style gurade.

The Amharic shield used and photo of Menelik II

17th October 2022, 04:54 AM	#8
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,747	Abyssinian swords for comparisons First is a GURADE (SE curved saber) which is clearly German made and has the GG and thermometer (Ges Gesch=guarantee, the therrmometer believed FW Holler)often seen on various German made blades. In this case it is the entire sword made up for Abyssinian forces probably early 20th c. The M may be for one of the suppliers possibly in Harrar. Note the distinct Lion of Judah symbol (for the rule of Menelik II, 1889-1913, later Haile Selassie) on the langet. The blade has acid etched Amharic script. Next is a native gurade, with German made blade, note etched Lion of Judah, which seems consistent with these German examples for Abyssinia of the 1890s into early 20th c. The hilt is rhino but left in its translucent state. The pommel decoration is used rather than often seen Maria Theresa thaler. The native SHOTEL (DE curved), with what seems a native blade with typical raised midrif and likely 1870s+ and rhino hilt. These were used well through 1930s, Just wanted to add these to illustrate the German blades, hilt variation, and the military style gurade. The Amharic shield used and photo of Menelik II Attached Images Last edited by Jim McDougall; 17th October 2022 at 05:27 AM.