A saber of unknown origin and age

toaster5sqn · 29th September 2021, 08:41 PM

I can't identify it but here are som observations that might help.

Pipe back blades were also used by other European countries, eg. the Prussians in the 1879 redesign of the M1852 Cavalry sabre. But the pipe back blade design originated in the middle east and was imported into Britain following the Egyptian campaign of the Napoleonic wars. It occurs on a few of the unofficial infantry sabres that proliferated prior to the adoption of the 1803 pattern.

Pipe back blades were common in the Ottoman empire but I agree the hilt styling looks very European.

British 3 bar hilts also had a smaller D ring on the thumb side which yours lacks.

The raised yelmen on the false edge is particularly long on your example, that may be a clue.

I have seen that 'ugly lion' referred to as a dogs head as lions weren't the only animal used for pommel decoration.

I'd agree that the scabbard is not the original one for that blade.

Robert

29th September 2021, 08:41 PM	#3
toaster5sqn Member Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: New Zealand Posts: 74	I can't identify it but here are som observations that might help. Pipe back blades were also used by other European countries, eg. the Prussians in the 1879 redesign of the M1852 Cavalry sabre. But the pipe back blade design originated in the middle east and was imported into Britain following the Egyptian campaign of the Napoleonic wars. It occurs on a few of the unofficial infantry sabres that proliferated prior to the adoption of the 1803 pattern. Pipe back blades were common in the Ottoman empire but I agree the hilt styling looks very European. British 3 bar hilts also had a smaller D ring on the thumb side which yours lacks. The raised yelmen on the false edge is particularly long on your example, that may be a clue. I have seen that 'ugly lion' referred to as a dogs head as lions weren't the only animal used for pommel decoration. I'd agree that the scabbard is not the original one for that blade. Robert