FS: ETHIOPIAN GURADE IN FINE ETCH AND RHINO HORN GRIP CA.1895

[Dmitry]

This Ethiopian gurade is mounted with a cavalry-sized heavy 81 cm long blade, which is finely etched on both sides and the back. Quality of the etching is a step above the majority of Ethiopian swords that I have seen. The decorations feature Ethiopian ans Islamic swords, traditional Ethiopian shields, floral sprays and panoply of arms and armor. Lion of Judah is etched on the reverse ricasso. Blade was made in either England or Germany, and hilted in Ethiopia. The hilt is formed out of single piece of rhinoceros horn, dyed in customary Ethiopian red color. Silver pommel cap resembles an Ethiopian shield. Blade has acquired a beautiful patina and shows signs of honest aging. I would date this sword ca.1890s-early 1900s.
The blade is quite similar in shape to the British 1796 Light Cavalry Sword blades, and the subsequent Prussian 1811s.

A knowledgeable collector has suggested that the blade is of French origin, but he has been a bit under the weather lately, and I haven't received any further information regarding the blade origin yet.
Regardless, I think this is a very nice and rather uncommon piece, which is priced reasonably.

PRICE $695 includes insured Priority Mail in the US.
Foreign buyer add $30 for International Priority Air Mail [5-7 business days].

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