An Unusual Ethiopian Short Sword

Conogre · 24th March 2005, 05:38 PM

LOL!
I can't see anyone getting offended over your statements, Yannis, and you're somewhat correct in your observations, but I'd say only in relation to tribal level pieces.
Gold plating has been seen in pieces as old as the 1500's, I believe.
N Africa had a lot of exposure, being at the hub of many trade routes and was even part of the ancient Greek empire, with a lot of European influence as far back as the Crusades, being a staging area for armies heading to the Holy Lands.
While this particular sword doesn't appear extremely old, the early to mid 19th century wouldn't surprise me if it was well cared for, and possibly even a little older.
For the type, it's a beautiful specimen, and, as I said earlier, I'd suspect a presentation piece much moreso than a "tourist" sword, having all of the earmarks of a real weapon.
Africa is unusual in that it's not unusual to find pieces from the superb to the rudimentry found side by side and with all levels in between.
One Uzbekistan sword I have was purchased by a Michigan college professor from a camel caravan camped outside of Jerusalem in the early 1990's, indicating that some old ways continue on, even today.
Mike

Aurangzeb · 24th March 2005, 05:44 PM

Hi all!

Very nice shortsword.Interesting design.

Tim Simmons · 24th March 2005, 05:53 PM

Plating has been done since ancient times,by what is known as fire gilding, now illegal in most of the western world.The precious metal is disolved in mercury appied to the piece and burnt off as gas leaving the item plated.Mercury is very piosonous.Tim

24th March 2005, 05:44 PM	#2
Aurangzeb Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 306	Nice sword Hi all! Very nice shortsword.Interesting design.

24th March 2005, 05:53 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,844	Plating has been done since ancient times,by what is known as fire gilding, now illegal in most of the western world.The precious metal is disolved in mercury appied to the piece and burnt off as gas leaving the item plated.Mercury is very piosonous.Tim Last edited by Tim Simmons; 24th March 2005 at 06:46 PM.

24th March 2005, 05:38 PM	#1
Conogre Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 371	LOL! I can't see anyone getting offended over your statements, Yannis, and you're somewhat correct in your observations, but I'd say only in relation to tribal level pieces. Gold plating has been seen in pieces as old as the 1500's, I believe. N Africa had a lot of exposure, being at the hub of many trade routes and was even part of the ancient Greek empire, with a lot of European influence as far back as the Crusades, being a staging area for armies heading to the Holy Lands. While this particular sword doesn't appear extremely old, the early to mid 19th century wouldn't surprise me if it was well cared for, and possibly even a little older. For the type, it's a beautiful specimen, and, as I said earlier, I'd suspect a presentation piece much moreso than a "tourist" sword, having all of the earmarks of a real weapon. Africa is unusual in that it's not unusual to find pieces from the superb to the rudimentry found side by side and with all levels in between. One Uzbekistan sword I have was purchased by a Michigan college professor from a camel caravan camped outside of Jerusalem in the early 1990's, indicating that some old ways continue on, even today. Mike