Hunting sword ... for comments

fernando · 12th June 2021, 02:48 PM

A sturdy blade, double edged, sharp, length 51 cms.
The grip in ivory, with a nice patina; the hilt in brass; the peen untouched.
Could you Gentlemen help finding its age and country of origin ?

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mariusgmioc · 12th June 2021, 05:01 PM

Very difficult to locate because of the very few identifiable details. German or maybe French?!

Late 18th to early 19th century?!

Jim McDougall · 12th June 2021, 09:08 PM

Based on an example I have (attached), I would say this is English, first quarter to mid 18th c. The blade on mine seems a cut down hanger blade, the fluer de lis, while suggesting French, also is found on blades traded to cutlers in England. There was a street, do not recall details, actually named 'fluer de lis street;'where lots of blades were sold to cutlers, who then mounted them accordingly.
It seems the German hirschfangers had shell guards downturned in many cases, but not sure of frequency.

These swords I would note, often found maritime use as well.

M ELEY · 13th June 2021, 06:34 AM

Again, I would agree with my fellow Forumites!

I'd place it mid to late 18th due to the 'cap' type guard that would fit over the scabbard throat to prevent rain water drainage into the sheath (and thus a risk for rusting). I've never seen this affectation on (later) 19th century pieces and it was sort of an 18th c. thing. Beautiful example, 'Nando and I like the honey patina of the grips!

fernando · 13th June 2021, 03:01 PM

Thank you so much for your input, Gentlemen.
Ah ... Mark, the honey patina; i like that

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Jim McDougall · 13th June 2021, 04:12 PM

As the Capn has astutely noted, that 'cap' over the ricasso at the bottom of the guard does suggest 18th century. While these features may of course have extended into 19th in degree, it does lean to the earlier date.

On the example I posted, that feature is missing, and perhaps might have been there with the notable gap suggesting a remounted blade. Note the ends of the quillon terminals with hunting dogs.
These were known as 'talbots'.......anybody remember 'The Wolf Man', Lon Chaney Jr. ? His character was Larry 'Talbot' (the wolf man) in a bit of canine pun.

Here is what I believe to be a Continental version, probably 18th,and it seems to me the 'buttons' and open guard lean toward some French and German examples.

12th June 2021, 02:48 PM	#1
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,652	Hunting sword ... for comments A sturdy blade, double edged, sharp, length 51 cms. The grip in ivory, with a nice patina; the hilt in brass; the peen untouched. Could you Gentlemen help finding its age and country of origin ? . Attached Images

12th June 2021, 09:08 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,785	Based on an example I have (attached), I would say this is English, first quarter to mid 18th c. The blade on mine seems a cut down hanger blade, the fluer de lis, while suggesting French, also is found on blades traded to cutlers in England. There was a street, do not recall details, actually named 'fluer de lis street;'where lots of blades were sold to cutlers, who then mounted them accordingly. It seems the German hirschfangers had shell guards downturned in many cases, but not sure of frequency. These swords I would note, often found maritime use as well. Attached Images

13th June 2021, 04:12 PM	#6
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,785	As the Capn has astutely noted, that 'cap' over the ricasso at the bottom of the guard does suggest 18th century. While these features may of course have extended into 19th in degree, it does lean to the earlier date. On the example I posted, that feature is missing, and perhaps might have been there with the notable gap suggesting a remounted blade. Note the ends of the quillon terminals with hunting dogs. These were known as 'talbots'.......anybody remember 'The Wolf Man', Lon Chaney Jr. ? His character was Larry 'Talbot' (the wolf man) in a bit of canine pun. Here is what I believe to be a Continental version, probably 18th,and it seems to me the 'buttons' and open guard lean toward some French and German examples. Attached Images

12th June 2021, 05:01 PM	#2
mariusgmioc Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Austria Posts: 1,882	Very difficult to locate because of the very few identifiable details. German or maybe French?! Late 18th to early 19th century?!

13th June 2021, 06:34 AM	#4
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,076	Again, I would agree with my fellow Forumites! I'd place it mid to late 18th due to the 'cap' type guard that would fit over the scabbard throat to prevent rain water drainage into the sheath (and thus a risk for rusting). I've never seen this affectation on (later) 19th century pieces and it was sort of an 18th c. thing. Beautiful example, 'Nando and I like the honey patina of the grips!

13th June 2021, 03:01 PM	#5
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,652	Thank you so much for your input, Gentlemen. Ah ... Mark, the honey patina; i like that .