Old Kaskara with Celestial Engraving and Etching for Comment

stephen wood · 7th August 2010, 12:12 AM

...thanks Jim.

I have tried to see as many as I can, either in person or photographically. By sheer weight of numbers I can attempt a deduction about a particular kaskara (or a component such as a crossguard) but in the absence of reliable provenance it will remain a (hopefully) informed guess.

If I don't say much it's simply because I don't know much and try to share the little I do know...

The presentation comprised a provisional categorization of blades, crossguards and grips; some suggestions about the kaskara's possible history and development; its continued use. As I mentioned in another post earlier today, I would like to post a slideshow to the forum.

Now, as to this particular example:

the blade does seem quite old - the "European" star and moon are finely engraved, the etched star is rough - almost a graffito. The only other crossguard without a blade recess I've seen was also with an older blade so maybe that is some indicator of age. The "upper" langet is fully formed rather than vestigial - in my experience age again, as is the absence of file marks. The bulbous ridge between the langets might also by weight of comparison indicate age. Very curious - although I'm certain that the blade is forged, it is thin at its base so that it wobbles from the ricasso rather than nearer the point (as we see in the Youtube clips).

The absence of the sun also intrigues me: there is simply no trace of its having been there.

There again I could be wrong about all that

7th August 2010, 12:12 AM	#4
stephen wood Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 227	...thanks Jim. I have tried to see as many as I can, either in person or photographically. By sheer weight of numbers I can attempt a deduction about a particular kaskara (or a component such as a crossguard) but in the absence of reliable provenance it will remain a (hopefully) informed guess. If I don't say much it's simply because I don't know much and try to share the little I do know... The presentation comprised a provisional categorization of blades, crossguards and grips; some suggestions about the kaskara's possible history and development; its continued use. As I mentioned in another post earlier today, I would like to post a slideshow to the forum. Now, as to this particular example: the blade does seem quite old - the "European" star and moon are finely engraved, the etched star is rough - almost a graffito. The only other crossguard without a blade recess I've seen was also with an older blade so maybe that is some indicator of age. The "upper" langet is fully formed rather than vestigial - in my experience age again, as is the absence of file marks. The bulbous ridge between the langets might also by weight of comparison indicate age. Very curious - although I'm certain that the blade is forged, it is thin at its base so that it wobbles from the ricasso rather than nearer the point (as we see in the Youtube clips). The absence of the sun also intrigues me: there is simply no trace of its having been there. There again I could be wrong about all that Last edited by stephen wood; 7th August 2010 at 12:23 AM.