Need help with the markings on this Swashbuckling Cutlass / Sabre?

[Jim McDougall]

Hi Dana,
When it comes to the 'name game' all kinds of twists and turns come up. One might think 'cutlass' pertains only to maritime swords, while ashore they are 'hangers'....like a map is on terra firma while it becomes a 'chart' at sea.
The etymologists deem the term cutlass from the French 'couteau' as in couteau de chasse =hunting hanger. etc.

These short, heavy, curved blades were termed loosely sabres, as in 'Sinclair sabres' as used by forces in militias etc. on land.

I have seen many heavy bladed hangers termed 'cutlasses' in a more collective manner, but I think in most cases cutlass is reserved for maritime associated curved swords. Many of these forms of sword had large shellguards and in a number of cases in pirate related jargon they were called simply a 'shell'.

I' ll see if I can get to Wallace or Boccia and look for that mark.

[dana_w]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Hi Dana,
When it comes to the 'name game' all kinds of twists and turns come up. One might think 'cutlass' pertains only to maritime swords, while ashore they are 'hangers'....like a map is on terra firma while it becomes a 'chart' at sea.
The etymologists deem the term cutlass from the French 'couteau' as in couteau de chasse =hunting hanger. etc.

These short, heavy, curved blades were termed loosely sabres, as in 'Sinclair sabres' as used by forces in militias etc. on land.

I have seen many heavy bladed hangers termed 'cutlasses' in a more collective manner, but I think in most cases cutlass is reserved for maritime associated curved swords. Many of these forms of sword had large shellguards and in a number of cases in pirate related jargon they were called simply a 'shell'.

I' ll see if I can get to Wallace or Boccia and look for that mark.

Thanks again for helping put me on the right path Jim.

[Jim McDougall]

You bet Dana!
Just plowed through Boccia and Wallace, and it seems though no exact match, the triplicate nature of this grouping using 'twigs' flanking a central device was typical in many North Italian instances around end of 15th c. through the 16th. I would personally think that Styria would be a most likely source for this blade.

These types of stout sabres, which actually are most correctly termed 'dusagge' are of forms very much in accord with Italian 'storta' of these times (also short sabres). These were used by many mercenary forces often supplied through Styria as well as Passau and other regional centers, thus the diffusion of these forms, accompanied by the markings which signified quality etc to these groups.

[dana_w]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

You bet Dana!
Just plowed through Boccia and Wallace, and it seems though no exact match, the triplicate nature of this grouping using 'twigs' flanking a central device was typical in many North Italian instances around end of 15th c. through the 16th. I would personally think that Styria would be a most likely source for this blade.

These types of stout sabres, which actually are most correctly termed 'dusagge' are of forms very much in accord with Italian 'storta' of these times (also short sabres). These were used by many mercenary forces often supplied through Styria as well as Passau and other regional centers, thus the diffusion of these forms, accompanied by the markings which signified quality etc to these groups.

Can you believe that some people think studying ends after they graduate? Thanks again Jim!

[ulfberth]

Dana,

is there a story that goes with this sword, I mean I'm sure there is but is it known or do you know were it came from or were it was found?

best

Ulfberth

[dana_w]

Originally Posted by ulfberth

Dana,

is there a story that goes with this sword, I mean I'm sure there is but is it known or do you know were it came from or were it was found?

best

Ulfberth

I wish there was a story to go with the sword. I know Dad already owned it when I was five years old. Here is frame from a film shot during the 400th anniversary of St. Augustine Florida's founding in 1965. One of my dad's friends Dan Holiday is dress as a pirate carrying the sword in a parade.

A short clip of the video can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBMO...o&spfreload=10

[ulfberth]

Originally Posted by dana_w

I wish there was a story to go with the sword. I know Dad already owned it when I was five years old. Here is frame from a film shot during the 400th anniversary of St. Augustine Florida's founding in 1965. One of my dad's friends Dan Holiday is dress as a pirate carrying the sword in a parade.

A short clip of the video can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBMO...o&spfreload=10

Dana,
What better story could there be !
A pure sword in untouched condition!
I must admit when I saw you'r location the pirate background is sure a possibility, in fact it seems the best explanation for a late 16th or 17th century sword of that type getting there.
If you father bought it at an arms dealer he would have told you.
I think you should shout " boom baby"

best
Ulfberth