Unknown cutlass

Jim McDougall · 27th June 2012, 03:17 AM

I agree with Gene, this appears to be a European hunting/court hanger which has been cut down and reconfigured into a knife. This is far from being 'junk' and of course has nothing to do with being 'Arabic', though an understandable presumption with the turbaned image among the other elements of motif. These kinds of symbols along with military groupings and panoplies along with what appear to be magical letters or characters were popular in the 18th century as talismanically charged themes.

This appears to be a hunting/court sword which were popular with officers in Eastern European military units, especially of pandour styled auxiliary regiments. It appears the crossguard assembly is missing. The lattice type square cartouche was also popular in these motifs, and similar can be seen in examples in "European Court and Hunting Swords" (Bashford Dean, 1929).

In my view this is a great example of one of these intriguing swords with the hilt intact with rosettes and most of the blade with the markings left, most important features. I say, well done Dom, an excellent item of European militaria.

All the best,
Jim

Dmitry, just saw your post and looks like we crossed posts.

Dom · 27th June 2012, 12:53 PM

Thanks Dmitry and Jim

your identification is very accurate
I bought it, because it intrigued me
I shall see after reception, what I should do with

I'm not ready to open a section "European" in my collection
the available place became rare ...

your help has been very appreciated, and appreciable

regards

à +

Dom

27th June 2012, 03:17 AM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,282	I agree with Gene, this appears to be a European hunting/court hanger which has been cut down and reconfigured into a knife. This is far from being 'junk' and of course has nothing to do with being 'Arabic', though an understandable presumption with the turbaned image among the other elements of motif. These kinds of symbols along with military groupings and panoplies along with what appear to be magical letters or characters were popular in the 18th century as talismanically charged themes. This appears to be a hunting/court sword which were popular with officers in Eastern European military units, especially of pandour styled auxiliary regiments. It appears the crossguard assembly is missing. The lattice type square cartouche was also popular in these motifs, and similar can be seen in examples in "European Court and Hunting Swords" (Bashford Dean, 1929). In my view this is a great example of one of these intriguing swords with the hilt intact with rosettes and most of the blade with the markings left, most important features. I say, well done Dom, an excellent item of European militaria. All the best, Jim Dmitry, just saw your post and looks like we crossed posts.

27th June 2012, 12:53 PM	#2
Dom Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Paris (FR*) Cairo (EG) Posts: 1,142	Thanks Dmitry and Jim your identification is very accurate I bought it, because it intrigued me I shall see after reception, what I should do with I'm not ready to open a section "European" in my collection the available place became rare ... your help has been very appreciated, and appreciable regards à + Dom