Real or copy? (Montante, Bastard, Claymore)

[Paul Macdonald]

Hi Folks,

Just to present my own wee observations...the pommel form is very unusual, not what you would expect to see on an original C16th sword (but not so difficult to manufacture with an C18th or C19th metal lathe )

The grip has a top ring which meets the pommel base, and the grip top diameter is less than the pommel base diameter, where pommels stretching towards the grip invariably meet the grip flush for smoother handling.

The quillions appear to be too thin to be practical for this sword type.

The blade type is unusual for a two handed sword of C16th style. It would not be usual for central fullering to run for the full length of the blade, as a two handed sword blade of this type (long and with a very shallow width taper) should have a good distal taper, which should preclude the need for central fullering after about half the blade length.

This would suggest that this piece would not handle too lightly in the hands and cast a questionable shadow over its practicality.

The blade form (shallow width taper, central triple fullering) and makers mark is identical to a single handed blade that I bought some years ago and hilted as a German Katzbalger. This was a C19th blade made to an earlier style.

I would suggest that this sword is an example of the same.

As a C19th repro of this quality (not bad but not top), I would not suggest that it is too valuable. £150 - £200 tops maybe?

Hope that helps and all the best,

Macdonald

[Ed]

The blade looks decidedly African, I even have a mate to it. Altogether it appears too delicate to be authentic.

[celtan]

Thanks for all your learned advice, guy. Much appreciated.

Merry Xmas to all!

Manuel Luis

[Atlantia]

Hey Manuel,
Can you grab the sword pictured with it? That looks more to my taste! ;-)

I can't add anything on the one in question. I Can't see the handle/hilt/guard being anything other than a repro of one age or another, and the blade at best is an old trade blade, nice but better in a Kaskara where at least it would look at home.

Its a nice enbough piece, but it would have to be priced as a repro, not an original of course.
I could see myself buying it, but at around £100 or so.

All the best
Gene

[stekemest]

Besides what has already been mentioned, I have some problems with the blade mark (the crescent). It does not look right for the time if you ask me. I'd also say it's a Victorian copy. Those are sometimes worth a few hundred dollars too, though.
Peter

[celtan]

Hi Guys, the adjacent blade is a Judge, Rule, or executioner's sword, and it's being discussed in another thread. The overall impression is that the blade may be legit, but the pommel and cross guard are replacements...

Best

Manuel Luis

[Ed]

These are the images of a Taurag-bladded English Officers Hilt sword that was discussed here some ages ago. I think that I was beguiled (at the time) with Burton's report of survivals of Crusader blades (suitably rehilted) among various middle eastern tribes. The consensus, I recall, was that there was a thriving trade between Europe and the mid east.

Anyhoo, here is the best reference that I have at hand:

Briggs, Lloyd Cabot European Blades in Tuareg Swords and Daggers, Journal of the Arms and Armour Society, London 1965, V, 2 37-92.

[Ed]

Thinking about it, this is a very versitile blade. You want medieval? You got it! You want Brit Civil War, You got it!! You want ...

Just add hilt and mix well.

[celtan]

Ed, you're being mischievous. Santa isn't bringing you that aged Chivas Regal you asked him for, nor the 09' Jag...

I spent a few minutes searching the net for Lithuanian blades to no effect (yes, there's a place called Taurag in Lithuania). So I thought, what do you know? It's european after all !

Then I went back to your post, and I found the Tuareg ref...

What can I say,. Got me!

: )

Let's raise the stakes. I'm throwing you guys this tasty morsel.












Best



Manuel

[Ed]

Victorian re-hilted German 16th c. blade?