Sword I.D. Help Needed

[Matchlock]

Hi Joe,

although I do not have an expertise in edged weapons, a friend of mine sure does and this is what he can attribute to your item:

It is not 'decorative' as one member feels but is of ca. 1730's date and definitely an early pirate's saber before they all began looking more or less the same in the second half of the 18th century.

He remembers reading on them and will share the details when he has found out.

Have fun with your rare piece!

Michael

[Atlantia]

The handle looks wrong, and the pommel looks a little worrying with that banded handle, but i'd have still said that its a late 17thC 'fighting' broadsword.
I think the blade and shell guard look fine together. Love to handle it and examine it in person. Nice sword. I'd have a punt at it if I got the chance.

[celtan]

I think its either a Dussage-tessak or a Skibshuggert...

M

[chevalier]

i love the point on that blade.


could this be dutch (maybe even VOC, just without the company mark?)

[celtan]

It certainly can. It could also be Swedish, German or even Danish.

Best

M

[celtan]

I found today a similar 17th C. spanish sword now called a "Sinclair". It's on p.63 of Well's "Small arms of the Spanish Treasure Fleets". Seems these were used by several european nations.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by celtan

I found today a similar 17th C. spanish sword now called a "Sinclair". It's on p.63 of Well's "Small arms of the Spanish Treasure Fleets". Seems these were used by several european nations.

Hi Celtan,
Just wanted to add some notes on the 'Sinclair Sabre'.
This term was applied to the basket hilted fighting sabres of 16th and 17th century Northern Europe by romantic Victorian arms writers, recalling a historic event known as The Battle of Kringen, in Norway Aug. 26,1612.

Apparantly during the Kalmar War between Denmark and Sweden concerning trade rights on the north coast of Norway, a force of Scottish mercenaries led by Lt. Col. Alexander Ramsay were headed to Sweden to join the forces of Gustavus Adolphus. In one of the subordinate companies as its commander was the Chief of the Sinclair Clan, Lord George Sinclair, who was well known in Norwegian regions. Near Otta, Norway on August 26,1612, Norwegian peasants ambushed and massacred the Scottish force, and notably heralded the victory with the name of Sinclair, the most prominant figure to them.

While it is not known if these type sabres were used by the Scottish force, it is most unlikely, as they were recorded as lightly armed with mostly Lochaber axes and a few broadswords, expecting to be armed upon arrival in Sweden.
As these basket hilt sabres were well known as the 'dusagge' and typically associated with Northern Europe, the Victorian writers noting the tragic event and the often seen association of these sabres with Norway, applied the name Sinclair to these swords, which has remained used by collectors since.

'Collectors terms' .....gotta love 'em! They give us whole new dimensions of history themselves

All the best,
Jim