Strange Oriental sword

fearn · 26th August 2005, 04:27 PM

Hi Andrew,

Neat link, but I'm not sure I agree. The one you linked to is definitely Chinese. I'm not so sure about this one.

My inexpert diagnosis is that

a) it's a western saber blade of some sort, as Ariel suggested. The clip tip and deep fuller really don't look Chinese.

b) someone (not necessarily Chinese!) riveted a bone handle to it. Thing is, I could do a handle decoration similar to that with a soldering iron. While I agree that it's a Chinese theme, the lack of any Chinese fittings on the blade should be sending up warning flags. I don't know of any Chinese swords where the blade is riveted to the handle, either.

My suggestion is that this was someone's art project, either from Europe or the US. It's certainly cool as art, but that's as far as I would go.

Since "dhaguy" bought it, I wonder which of the "dhafia" will be able to enlighten us on this blade?

F

not2sharp · 26th August 2005, 04:52 PM

That is a US model 1917 cutlass remounted with a decorated bone handle. These swords were still standard equipment on older ships during WWII.

You can see pictures of original examples here:
http://arms2armor.com/Swords/1917var1.htm

n2s

Ferguson · 26th August 2005, 05:57 PM

The hilt looks like it's held on with roll pins. The spring type shaped like a "C". Not even rivets.

Steve

fearn · 26th August 2005, 06:51 PM

Excellent point, Ferguson. Here's another question: do roll pins give us a clue as to who assembled this weapon?

F

Henk · 26th August 2005, 09:07 PM

Ian is right. It is a KNIL-sabre, used by the dutch army in Indonesia. It is not a US cutlass.

I have one too. The pictures are not great. But this is how the original sabre looks like.

Rick · 26th August 2005, 09:27 PM

Says it's a US 1917 Henk .

fearn · 26th August 2005, 09:49 PM

Ummm, if you believe Not2Sharp's website, the Dutch and US weapons are essentially identical. Rick and Henk, how do you want to settle that bet again?

F

26th August 2005, 05:57 PM	#3
Ferguson Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kernersville, NC, USA Posts: 793	The hilt looks like it's held on with roll pins. The spring type shaped like a "C". Not even rivets. Steve Attached Images

26th August 2005, 09:07 PM	#5
Henk Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,209	Ian is right. It is a KNIL-sabre, used by the dutch army in Indonesia. It is not a US cutlass. I have one too. The pictures are not great. But this is how the original sabre looks like. Attached Images

26th August 2005, 09:27 PM	#6
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	Five Bucks Says it's a US 1917 Henk .

26th August 2005, 04:27 PM	#1
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	Hi Andrew, Neat link, but I'm not sure I agree. The one you linked to is definitely Chinese. I'm not so sure about this one. My inexpert diagnosis is that a) it's a western saber blade of some sort, as Ariel suggested. The clip tip and deep fuller really don't look Chinese. b) someone (not necessarily Chinese!) riveted a bone handle to it. Thing is, I could do a handle decoration similar to that with a soldering iron. While I agree that it's a Chinese theme, the lack of any Chinese fittings on the blade should be sending up warning flags. I don't know of any Chinese swords where the blade is riveted to the handle, either. My suggestion is that this was someone's art project, either from Europe or the US. It's certainly cool as art, but that's as far as I would go. Since "dhaguy" bought it, I wonder which of the "dhafia" will be able to enlighten us on this blade? F

26th August 2005, 04:52 PM	#2
not2sharp Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 210	That is a US model 1917 cutlass remounted with a decorated bone handle. These swords were still standard equipment on older ships during WWII. You can see pictures of original examples here: http://arms2armor.com/Swords/1917var1.htm n2s

26th August 2005, 06:51 PM	#4
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	Excellent point, Ferguson. Here's another question: do roll pins give us a clue as to who assembled this weapon? F

26th August 2005, 09:49 PM	#7
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	Ummm, if you believe Not2Sharp's website, the Dutch and US weapons are essentially identical. Rick and Henk, how do you want to settle that bet again? F