Unusual Shotel

Tim Simmons · 31st January 2011, 08:40 PM

I am probably way off but take a long hard look at the helmet on the head pommel knob. I may well be French. The winged sphinx is seems a hang over from the French exploits in Egypt. Look at the side view, the crest is an eagle. The face on view ie the beak is more stylised but it does have a snake in its mouth. I think that is most intesting considering French action in Mexico.

Tim Simmons · 31st January 2011, 09:20 PM

You can google "eagle eating snake imagery" but not much for "falcon eating snake imagery"

Jim McDougall · 31st January 2011, 09:47 PM

Truly remarkable piece. I would say that the hunting hanger style grip represents distinct European style for earlier court oriented weapons, and the neo-classical figure on the pommel suggests French hilting. I would say this is probably a diplomatically intended presentation or gift to a figure in important standing in Abyssinia. This high end piece might have to do with dealings during the Anglo Egyptian condominium and post Fashoda incident (1898) territorial disputes in these regions between that and France. The blade to me seems German. It is tempting to align the fluer de lis style in the quillons to France also.

Tim Simmons · 31st January 2011, 09:56 PM

As roanoa has already pointed out that the handle is on the wrong way round. The shotel is used with the concave edge leading. Why could this be?

Jim McDougall · 31st January 2011, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

As roanoa has already pointed out that the handle is on the wrong way round. The shotel is used with the concave edge leading. Why could this be?

Maybe because if it was hilted in France, they werent cognizant of the error as the item was intended for presentation rather than actual use?

roanoa · 1st February 2011, 02:10 AM

Just for the fun of it, since I am not that much into mythology, that does not look like a Sphinx to me... A Chimera? Not that it makes much of a difference....

Rick · 1st February 2011, 02:16 AM

Could one suggest the unsuggestable word here ?

Begins with a 'C' ... <ducks and covers>

31st January 2011, 08:40 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,844	spelling I am probably way off but take a long hard look at the helmet on the head pommel knob. I may well be French. The winged sphinx is seems a hang over from the French exploits in Egypt. Look at the side view, the crest is an eagle. The face on view ie the beak is more stylised but it does have a snake in its mouth. I think that is most intesting considering French action in Mexico. Last edited by Tim Simmons; 31st January 2011 at 08:51 PM.

31st January 2011, 09:47 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,196	Truly remarkable piece. I would say that the hunting hanger style grip represents distinct European style for earlier court oriented weapons, and the neo-classical figure on the pommel suggests French hilting. I would say this is probably a diplomatically intended presentation or gift to a figure in important standing in Abyssinia. This high end piece might have to do with dealings during the Anglo Egyptian condominium and post Fashoda incident (1898) territorial disputes in these regions between that and France. The blade to me seems German. It is tempting to align the fluer de lis style in the quillons to France also. Last edited by Jim McDougall; 1st February 2011 at 08:18 PM. Reason: typo in wording

1st February 2011, 02:16 AM	#7
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	Could one suggest the unsuggestable word here ? Begins with a 'C' ... <ducks and covers> Last edited by Rick; 1st February 2011 at 02:34 AM.

31st January 2011, 09:20 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,844	You can google "eagle eating snake imagery" but not much for "falcon eating snake imagery"

31st January 2011, 09:56 PM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,844	As roanoa has already pointed out that the handle is on the wrong way round. The shotel is used with the concave edge leading. Why could this be?

1st February 2011, 02:10 AM	#6
roanoa Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 241	Just for the fun of it, since I am not that much into mythology, that does not look like a Sphinx to me... A Chimera? Not that it makes much of a difference....