What Have We Here

Rick · 5th May 2005, 02:41 AM

Good eye Tom .
Just looked at the example in Swords and Hilt Weapons ; a much nicer example . Makes me wonder if our example is a 'decorative' piece from a later era.

M.carter · 5th May 2005, 10:52 AM

This sword is arab, Yemeni. There was a similar sword posted on SFI a while ago. Unfortunately, no one knew anything of these swords.

SFI Sword

Ive just realized something, these swords look very much like the swords in the book "Islamic Swords and Swordsmiths" by Dr.Uncal Yuncel. Portraits 56,57,58,59. Except those had slightly curved blades and were made in the mamluk period, 15th century.

Michael Blalock · 6th May 2005, 02:24 PM

Hi, I bought that sword on ebay and I own the sword shown on SFI. Now I have a collection started. I guess I will need to go back to Yemen or Oman to get more, though I understand they confiscate anything older than 50 years nowadays. It's a shame that the blade on the ebay sword looks like it was sanded or ground. I will post a better picure when I get delivery.

Michael Blalock · 6th May 2005, 02:31 PM

Even without seeing the actual sword I know this is not a decorative piece. I have seen similar work on Yemeni swords in the 1960's. This is most likley turn of the century

Rick · 6th May 2005, 02:56 PM

Welcome to the forum Michael , looking forward to a report and better pictures once you get it in your hands .

tom hyle · 6th May 2005, 03:19 PM

I'm always the one who says things don't look like decorator pieces or that I think they're for the native market, etc; I was thinking I'd give it a rest for a minute, but yeah, it looks pretty "real" to me, too. Smaller than the one in the book, and with a differet suspension, though.
BTW, I think you'll be pleasantly(?) surprised; I think the dicolouration on the blade is rust/patination that can be easily cleaned to smooth grey patches with probably some pitting with fine steel wool and runny oil, and the areas in between look smooth and fairly original though standard photo disclaimer etc. Also, though I'm getting more hesitant about giving out hints, (

), I think the discolouration is likely following the layers of forged lamination (and it's possible some of these areas may be forging flaws, open grain, etc.): I doubt this is a wootz blade, but probably layered steel.

M.carter · 6th May 2005, 04:49 PM

Hello Michael, you are strating now a VEERRRRY unique and rare collection, as these two swords are the only ones Ive seen in books, the net, and my trips around the Middle East.

EDIT: Havent you sold that sword?

5th May 2005, 02:41 AM	#1
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,376	Ahh , Yes Good eye Tom . Just looked at the example in Swords and Hilt Weapons ; a much nicer example . Makes me wonder if our example is a 'decorative' piece from a later era.

5th May 2005, 10:52 AM	#2
M.carter Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 176	This sword is arab, Yemeni. There was a similar sword posted on SFI a while ago. Unfortunately, no one knew anything of these swords. SFI Sword Ive just realized something, these swords look very much like the swords in the book "Islamic Swords and Swordsmiths" by Dr.Uncal Yuncel. Portraits 56,57,58,59. Except those had slightly curved blades and were made in the mamluk period, 15th century. Last edited by M.carter; 5th May 2005 at 11:03 AM.

6th May 2005, 02:24 PM	#3
Michael Blalock Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: dc Posts: 271	Omani/Yemeni Sword Hi, I bought that sword on ebay and I own the sword shown on SFI. Now I have a collection started. I guess I will need to go back to Yemen or Oman to get more, though I understand they confiscate anything older than 50 years nowadays. It's a shame that the blade on the ebay sword looks like it was sanded or ground. I will post a better picure when I get delivery.

6th May 2005, 02:31 PM	#4
Michael Blalock Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: dc Posts: 271	Not decorative Even without seeing the actual sword I know this is not a decorative piece. I have seen similar work on Yemeni swords in the 1960's. This is most likley turn of the century

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6th May 2005, 02:56 PM	#5
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,376	Welcome to the forum Michael , looking forward to a report and better pictures once you get it in your hands .

6th May 2005, 03:19 PM	#6
tom hyle Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 1,254	I'm always the one who says things don't look like decorator pieces or that I think they're for the native market, etc; I was thinking I'd give it a rest for a minute, but yeah, it looks pretty "real" to me, too. Smaller than the one in the book, and with a differet suspension, though. BTW, I think you'll be pleasantly(?) surprised; I think the dicolouration on the blade is rust/patination that can be easily cleaned to smooth grey patches with probably some pitting with fine steel wool and runny oil, and the areas in between look smooth and fairly original though standard photo disclaimer etc. Also, though I'm getting more hesitant about giving out hints, ( ), I think the discolouration is likely following the layers of forged lamination (and it's possible some of these areas may be forging flaws, open grain, etc.): I doubt this is a wootz blade, but probably layered steel.

6th May 2005, 04:49 PM	#7
M.carter Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 176	Hello Michael, you are strating now a VEERRRRY unique and rare collection, as these two swords are the only ones Ive seen in books, the net, and my trips around the Middle East. EDIT: Havent you sold that sword?