My First Flyssa

Panzerraptor · 9th October 2015, 10:08 PM

After all these years, I finally received my dream sword/antique in the form of a flyssa and finally hung it up on my wall after two weeks in a box. The sword's a beautiful piece: 97.5 cm and still has the brass on the hilt and the blade's roof and sides.

I am curious as to how to maintain this weapon's condition. The person who sold it to me said that I can use olive oil to clean it, but I'm still on the fence about this. I'm pretty sure I need to put a small amount on a washcloth and run it along the length, but I'm a bit adamant to try it. After all, this is my first treasure and I'd rather not touch it too much.

Also, I'd like to get an assessment about this sword. I believe it's around 150 years old and from Algeria. Though as I'm not an appraiser in weapons; my knowledge on swords is novice level. Is there any significant features I should be aware of other than its usual physical shape? I understand this is likely a ceremonial-styled sword based on its wave and needle point instead of a cavalry form (slender blade for stabbing akin to a saber) or a butcher form (broad, thick blade for slashing and chopping like a dao).

Emanuel · 12th October 2015, 11:32 PM

Hi there and welcome to the forum!

I remember the same feeling when I got my first flyssa

.
Lots of information on this forum on these swors. Just use the search and you'll find a lot of fun reading.

Yes this is an old early 19th century Kabyle flyssa. I recommend baby (mineral) oil. It will clean and protect the metal and won't go rancid as olive oil could.

Congratulations!

Emanuel

Jim McDougall · 12th October 2015, 11:56 PM

I remember that Emanuel!!! It was years ago, and I think your title was the same

We followed the 'flyssa' odyssey for years since then, and it was exciting as your research unfolded so much history with these.

Emanuel · 13th October 2015, 02:21 PM

A great odyssey indeed Jim

made all the more so by your knowledge, inspiration and support!!

Panzer I just re-read your post. No worries about damaging your treasure with the oil. The brass looks well bonded to the blade and it will not come off. Washcloth or paper towel will do. Wipe on, let sit for a bit, then wipe off any heavy excess. The oil will clean off gunk and surface rust. Just wipe repeatedly until the paper/cloth is clean.

If you're ever tempted to use heavy duty brass polishers like Brasso, be aware that it REALLY cleans the brass down to a bright white look, stripping the patina.

Emanuel

Jim McDougall · 14th October 2015, 06:57 AM

Thank you Emanuel for the kind words! I think we both learned a lot together on these fascinating swords.
Thank you for the note on the brasso as well.......I always encourage maximum restraint on cleaning and restoring these weapons. I have always thought of patina as literally embodied 'history', and belongs to the weapon itself.

Jim

9th October 2015, 10:08 PM	#1
Panzerraptor Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 16	My First Flyssa After all these years, I finally received my dream sword/antique in the form of a flyssa and finally hung it up on my wall after two weeks in a box. The sword's a beautiful piece: 97.5 cm and still has the brass on the hilt and the blade's roof and sides. I am curious as to how to maintain this weapon's condition. The person who sold it to me said that I can use olive oil to clean it, but I'm still on the fence about this. I'm pretty sure I need to put a small amount on a washcloth and run it along the length, but I'm a bit adamant to try it. After all, this is my first treasure and I'd rather not touch it too much. Also, I'd like to get an assessment about this sword. I believe it's around 150 years old and from Algeria. Though as I'm not an appraiser in weapons; my knowledge on swords is novice level. Is there any significant features I should be aware of other than its usual physical shape? I understand this is likely a ceremonial-styled sword based on its wave and needle point instead of a cavalry form (slender blade for stabbing akin to a saber) or a butcher form (broad, thick blade for slashing and chopping like a dao). Attached Images

12th October 2015, 11:32 PM	#2
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	Hi there and welcome to the forum! I remember the same feeling when I got my first flyssa . Lots of information on this forum on these swors. Just use the search and you'll find a lot of fun reading. Yes this is an old early 19th century Kabyle flyssa. I recommend baby (mineral) oil. It will clean and protect the metal and won't go rancid as olive oil could. Congratulations! Emanuel

12th October 2015, 11:56 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,758	I remember that Emanuel!!! It was years ago, and I think your title was the same We followed the 'flyssa' odyssey for years since then, and it was exciting as your research unfolded so much history with these.

13th October 2015, 02:21 PM	#4
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	A great odyssey indeed Jim made all the more so by your knowledge, inspiration and support!! Panzer I just re-read your post. No worries about damaging your treasure with the oil. The brass looks well bonded to the blade and it will not come off. Washcloth or paper towel will do. Wipe on, let sit for a bit, then wipe off any heavy excess. The oil will clean off gunk and surface rust. Just wipe repeatedly until the paper/cloth is clean. If you're ever tempted to use heavy duty brass polishers like Brasso, be aware that it REALLY cleans the brass down to a bright white look, stripping the patina. Emanuel

14th October 2015, 06:57 AM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,758	Thank you Emanuel for the kind words! I think we both learned a lot together on these fascinating swords. Thank you for the note on the brasso as well.......I always encourage maximum restraint on cleaning and restoring these weapons. I have always thought of patina as literally embodied 'history', and belongs to the weapon itself. Jim