Symbols on a yataghan blade

Jim McDougall · 5th February 2008, 10:34 PM

Addendum,
In Stone, fig.243 #4, is shown a type of polearm termed the 'couteaux de breches' which was essentially a sword blade affixed to a shaft, and used in Europe from as early as 15th c. well into the 17th c. Example number 4 of these polearms in Stone's fig. 243 is German and of 16th c. and the choil like wraparound at the end of the blade, presenting a necklike effect on the blade is what was key in the similarity I was thinking of.
These polearms were apparantly often used by guards and similar court units as suggested in the examples shown in Stone, with the blades often highly decorated.
This inscribed motif, as I have noted, seems to reflect neoclassic influence of possibly architectural nature, and seems to suggest that type of imagery that was popular in Europe an latter 17th and into the 18th century. It seems plausible that a court weapon of this type might have been used even later in the traditional preferences observed in regalia.

This possibility presents even more interesting thoughts with this blade mounted in this hilt.
As always looking forward to other observations.

5th February 2008, 10:34 PM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	Addendum, In Stone, fig.243 #4, is shown a type of polearm termed the 'couteaux de breches' which was essentially a sword blade affixed to a shaft, and used in Europe from as early as 15th c. well into the 17th c. Example number 4 of these polearms in Stone's fig. 243 is German and of 16th c. and the choil like wraparound at the end of the blade, presenting a necklike effect on the blade is what was key in the similarity I was thinking of. These polearms were apparantly often used by guards and similar court units as suggested in the examples shown in Stone, with the blades often highly decorated. This inscribed motif, as I have noted, seems to reflect neoclassic influence of possibly architectural nature, and seems to suggest that type of imagery that was popular in Europe an latter 17th and into the 18th century. It seems plausible that a court weapon of this type might have been used even later in the traditional preferences observed in regalia. This possibility presents even more interesting thoughts with this blade mounted in this hilt. As always looking forward to other observations.