Ethiopian swords

[Lew]

Originally Posted by roanoa

About 100 years ago, in East Africa, rhino were so numerous that they were killed by the thousands every year. And I mean MANY thousands!!! Quality of the blade has little to do with the quality of the hilt. I have seen rhino horn hilts on very poor blades, and vice-versa.

Just a note:

During the last century, the Black Rhino has suffered the most drastic decline in total numbers of all rhino species. Between 1970 and 1992, the population of this species decreased 96%. In 1970, it was estimated that there were approximately 65,000 Black Rhinos in Africa but by 1992-93, there were only 2,300 surviving in the wild. However, since 1996, the intense anti-poaching efforts have had encouraging results. Numbers have been recovering and are now back up to about 3,610 and still increasing. Each species probably numbered white and black rhino combined 200,000 during the 19th century I don't think more than a few thousand were hunted each year. They were not as plentiful as the American bison which numbered in the millions up until the 1870s. I still say most of the horn is from various types of cattle and some from rhino and still some were wood and bakelite. I say only the wealthy would have rhino used as hilts as a status symbol.

Lew

[roanoa]

Bill, love your display. Very nice. I know, virtually all Arussi shields have repaired spear cuts (at least that's what I think they are...). Gorgeous pieces anyways.
Lew, we are not 100% in tune. Certainly the vast majority of rhino hilts are found on quality blades, but not always. I posted 3 Oromo/Galla swords; the blades are of similar quality (poor..). Two of them have cheap wooden handles and one has a NICE rhino grip. I have a couple of cheap Ethiopian blades with rhino grip. On the other hand, I just saw a nice picture of Ras Seyum (circa 1930) all dressed up. The sword he is wearing has "cow" grip. He certainly could afford a more expensive one. And again, when rhino was still plentiful, the Abyssinian fell in love with bakelite and "plastic" grips.... Ah, the joys of collecting!!
Keep up the good work, guys. I really want to see what's out there. I myself will keep on posting.

[Bill M]

Originally Posted by roanoa

Bill, love your display. Very nice. I know, virtually all Arussi shields have repaired spear cuts (at least that's what I think they are...). Gorgeous pieces anyways.

Thanks Roanoa,

Here is an overall picture of that wall. I will also post pictures of a Shotel and a cavalry sabre, and I will get them in your thread.

[Bill M]

I am posting some more pictures of my hilt in the hopes that it will settle the debate as to whether it is cow or rhino.

I hope that the hole in the hilt when seen from the blade will help. it is filled with wax.

Then I would like to post in the thread with the properly spelled Ethiopia

Comments

[roanoa]

Bill. First: you have a gorgeous room. Love it. Second: I do not believe thios argument will ever be settled... As far as my opinion is concerned, I BELIEVE it's cattle horn. I am sure some of the members of this Forum will disagree. If you want an EXPERT opinion, you'll have to go to a Forensic Laboratory.... It's of course academic as the bottom line is: it's a lovely sword!! Got some more?

[Lew]

Bill

I can't see any of the fiberous structure that is present in rhino horn so I agree with Roanoa that it is cattle horn. If you are disappointed I can understand but it is still a beauty. If you want you can send to me you know it would have a good home

Lew

[Bill M]

Have no idea. Doesn't bother me either way. I like it. And I appreciate your comments.

Where is my Ouzo? Did drink a bit of it once and had a VERY weird high. but I like Anise.

I will post another sword in the ETHIOPIAN thread.