Dutch hanger for russian market?

cornelistromp · 1st July 2019, 06:46 PM

During the Dutch revolt "Liever Turks dan Paaps" indicated that a cruel life under an Ottoman Sultan would have been preferred over a life under Catholic Spain. This was meant to be sarcastic, there was no war between the Turks and the Dutch.

as stated in post 1 the style, execution and materials (ivory) indicate a possible Dutch production of above cutlass, suitable for naval use.
Then why this image, where a Turkish sultan is being attacked by lions.
After years of naval battles at Azov, it might be appropriate for a Russian high rank soldier. This assignment is of course a personal assumption, but is reinforced by the very russian-looking motif on the pommel plate.

furthermore, the sword has been taken apart very recently, probably to clean and remove free play.
no further conclusion can be drawn from this. as I can see, all parts belong together.

best,
Jasper

Victrix · 1st July 2019, 10:51 PM

Jasper,

The size of the blade, choice of grip, and presence of a sea dog (some say dolphin?) on the upper guard supports the idea of maritime use. The figure looks like a saracen, not sure if there is any significance that he looks unbearded? Not sure Russia is included in the list of countries that use lions as a national symbol but perhaps the creatures are used here just to symbolize brave victory as Jim suggested? It looks like the motif appear on both plates? It really does tickle the imagination.

How can you tell that the sword has been taken apart very recently?

M ELEY · 1st July 2019, 11:48 PM

That is a very good point, Victrix, concerning the dolphin/sea monster finial. I also wanted to immediately blurt out 'sea service' sword, but we all know my biases when it comes to that! Of course, this heavy cutlass closely resembles other Dutch naval pieces of the era (and that of rival Great Britain, who had the brass naval monster head swords). If we take into consideration that possibility, could the hilt motif simply be allegorical?

The Barbary Corsairs, terror of the West African Coast, were heavily active during this time period. They attacked many European ships and forced some nations to pay them tribute just to sail through the Straits of Gibraltar unmolested. Obviously, the Dutch saw them as a scourge and perhaps some daring sea captain had this fine sword specially made (the two lions representing the Dutch lion, as their symbol from time immortal, attacking a Turk.) I'm wondering if any of the more famous Muslim pirates (the Barbarossa brothers, for instance), were beard-less?

cornelistromp · 2nd July 2019, 11:05 AM

the decoration of a jewel with feathers on the turban is a so-called çelenk, this was a sign or award for bravery in the ottoman empire.
because of this I came across an ottoman sultan.

attached Mustafa 2 carrying a turban with çelenk , compare with post 1 and here pictured with a small beard .

best,
Jasper

2nd July 2019, 11:05 AM	#4
cornelistromp Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,060	the decoration of a jewel with feathers on the turban is a so-called çelenk, this was a sign or award for bravery in the ottoman empire. because of this I came across an ottoman sultan. attached Mustafa 2 carrying a turban with çelenk , compare with post 1 and here pictured with a small beard . best, Jasper Attached Images Last edited by cornelistromp; 2nd July 2019 at 12:52 PM.

1st July 2019, 06:46 PM	#1
cornelistromp Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,060	During the Dutch revolt "Liever Turks dan Paaps" indicated that a cruel life under an Ottoman Sultan would have been preferred over a life under Catholic Spain. This was meant to be sarcastic, there was no war between the Turks and the Dutch. as stated in post 1 the style, execution and materials (ivory) indicate a possible Dutch production of above cutlass, suitable for naval use. Then why this image, where a Turkish sultan is being attacked by lions. After years of naval battles at Azov, it might be appropriate for a Russian high rank soldier. This assignment is of course a personal assumption, but is reinforced by the very russian-looking motif on the pommel plate. furthermore, the sword has been taken apart very recently, probably to clean and remove free play. no further conclusion can be drawn from this. as I can see, all parts belong together. best, Jasper

1st July 2019, 10:51 PM	#2
Victrix Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Sweden Posts: 755	Jasper, The size of the blade, choice of grip, and presence of a sea dog (some say dolphin?) on the upper guard supports the idea of maritime use. The figure looks like a saracen, not sure if there is any significance that he looks unbearded? Not sure Russia is included in the list of countries that use lions as a national symbol but perhaps the creatures are used here just to symbolize brave victory as Jim suggested? It looks like the motif appear on both plates? It really does tickle the imagination. How can you tell that the sword has been taken apart very recently?

1st July 2019, 11:48 PM	#3
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,165	That is a very good point, Victrix, concerning the dolphin/sea monster finial. I also wanted to immediately blurt out 'sea service' sword, but we all know my biases when it comes to that! Of course, this heavy cutlass closely resembles other Dutch naval pieces of the era (and that of rival Great Britain, who had the brass naval monster head swords). If we take into consideration that possibility, could the hilt motif simply be allegorical? The Barbary Corsairs, terror of the West African Coast, were heavily active during this time period. They attacked many European ships and forced some nations to pay them tribute just to sail through the Straits of Gibraltar unmolested. Obviously, the Dutch saw them as a scourge and perhaps some daring sea captain had this fine sword specially made (the two lions representing the Dutch lion, as their symbol from time immortal, attacking a Turk.) I'm wondering if any of the more famous Muslim pirates (the Barbarossa brothers, for instance), were beard-less?