A Pair of Ethiopian Swords

derek · 10th July 2005, 12:15 AM

Both of these resent acquisitions have European blades, but very different hilts. Radu, I've been looking for a lion head hilt since I first saw yours! The other was a lucky pickup that I had to clean up (yes, the blade was black and I cleaned it) to find the pattern underneath. It was a nice surprise. The rhino hilt has been painted with something. It comes off pretty easily, so I don't know if it's original or done later. Anyone seen this before?

Rick · 10th July 2005, 02:49 AM

Hi Derek ,
Yeah , I have a Philippine Revolution sword with a Carabao hilt that has been painted .
Now this sword has acquisition numbers painted on the blade so I'm not sure whether it was painted for preservation outside of its cultural context or not .

Lew · 10th July 2005, 06:08 AM

Derek

Nice swords the top one has a French made hilt often found on 1896 swords made for the Chilean army by the French. The other is a classical Ethiopian sword.

Lew

Henk · 10th July 2005, 09:39 AM

Derek,

How did you removed the paint??

derek · 10th July 2005, 02:34 PM

On the blade - a lot of mineral oil, elbow grease, and a plastic scotchbrite. I haven't done anything to the grip as I suspect anything that will take off paint will probably harm the horn as well. And that would suck.

Rick · 10th July 2005, 03:38 PM

Try a credit card or dull butter knife edge (even your fingernail) and it might scrape off nicely without damaging the horn if it's not too thick . This method works quite well for removing old finish from chairs without damaging the patina underneath .
Of course work with the grain .

derek · 10th July 2005, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOUIEBLADES

Derek

Nice swords the top one has a French made hilt often found on 1896 swords made for the Chilean army by the French. The other is a classical Ethiopian sword.

Lew

Thanks for the info, Lew. These variations veer well into realm of European sword makers & European styles and I know little about them.

roanoa · 11th July 2005, 12:13 AM

Derek, I just sent some comments and pictures to the other thread dealing with an Ethiopian "seif". They apply to you as well.

derek · 11th July 2005, 12:38 AM

Thanks, Roano.

Anything to add on this one about origins?

-d

10th July 2005, 12:15 AM	#1
derek Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 215	A Pair of Ethiopian Swords Both of these resent acquisitions have European blades, but very different hilts. Radu, I've been looking for a lion head hilt since I first saw yours! The other was a lucky pickup that I had to clean up (yes, the blade was black and I cleaned it) to find the pattern underneath. It was a nice surprise. The rhino hilt has been painted with something. It comes off pretty easily, so I don't know if it's original or done later. Anyone seen this before? Attached Images

10th July 2005, 02:49 AM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,268	Painted Hi Derek , Yeah , I have a Philippine Revolution sword with a Carabao hilt that has been painted . Now this sword has acquisition numbers painted on the blade so I'm not sure whether it was painted for preservation outside of its cultural context or not . Attached Images

10th July 2005, 03:38 PM	#6
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,268	Idea Try a credit card or dull butter knife edge (even your fingernail) and it might scrape off nicely without damaging the horn if it's not too thick . This method works quite well for removing old finish from chairs without damaging the patina underneath . Of course work with the grain .

10th July 2005, 06:08 AM	#3
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	Derek Nice swords the top one has a French made hilt often found on 1896 swords made for the Chilean army by the French. The other is a classical Ethiopian sword. Lew

10th July 2005, 09:39 AM	#4
Henk Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,209	Derek, How did you removed the paint??

10th July 2005, 02:34 PM	#5
derek Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 215	On the blade - a lot of mineral oil, elbow grease, and a plastic scotchbrite. I haven't done anything to the grip as I suspect anything that will take off paint will probably harm the horn as well. And that would suck.

11th July 2005, 12:13 AM	#8
roanoa Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 230	Derek, I just sent some comments and pictures to the other thread dealing with an Ethiopian "seif". They apply to you as well.

11th July 2005, 12:38 AM	#9
derek Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 215	Thanks, Roano. Anything to add on this one about origins? -d