Schiavona - The one that got away

Victrix · 23rd June 2022, 02:48 PM

Yes in the 19thC the Victorians were avid collectors of anything which was displayed in the stately homes for visitors to view. This included antique arms and armour and sometimes unscrupulous dealers would fashion ”composites” of parts to sell on to unsuspecting collectors. This includes schiavonas which were probably considered exotic collectibles, and some are composites. At the same time part of the charm is the great diversity and artistic beauty of schiavonas where they are all different. This particular item may be a composite but also looks Spanish as the grip ends in ferrules and with the wide fullered blade. The pommel looks baroque and may be a replacement but may also have been added to suit local tastes.

23rd June 2022, 02:48 PM	#20
Victrix Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Sweden Posts: 755	Yes in the 19thC the Victorians were avid collectors of anything which was displayed in the stately homes for visitors to view. This included antique arms and armour and sometimes unscrupulous dealers would fashion ”composites” of parts to sell on to unsuspecting collectors. This includes schiavonas which were probably considered exotic collectibles, and some are composites. At the same time part of the charm is the great diversity and artistic beauty of schiavonas where they are all different. This particular item may be a composite but also looks Spanish as the grip ends in ferrules and with the wide fullered blade. The pommel looks baroque and may be a replacement but may also have been added to suit local tastes.