Ethiopian Shotel or Gurade to share

drac2k · 16th October 2022, 07:08 PM

I believe this to be a good working order gurade or shotel.It has a very substantial 32", possibly a European blade with a horn handle and some type of copper boss on the pommel. There is some wear on the corners where it appears lighter; was it a practice to sometimes dye the handles?

Jim McDougall · 16th October 2022, 09:05 PM

Very nice example of an Ethiopian 'gurade' (SE curved blade) which is of course a 'working' example, very nice to see the great scabbard and belt. The blade is of the British M1796 light cavalry type, but could well be the Blucher N1811 as these are so similar. In both cases these are often unmarked so it is harder to determine, especially from pics.

Apparently it was indeed a practice to dye the rhino horn as it is typically an amber, almost translucent in cases color while darker toward core. It is hard to say what this brass piece is on the pommel area, and unusual to see it so off center.
The older versions of these, and in many cases the shotels would have Maria Theresa thalers on the pommel, these probably acquired in the trade centers where these blades often were arriving through many Armenian merchants in Harar.

drac2k · 16th October 2022, 11:41 PM

Thanks for your input, Jim, its always great to hear from you.

Edster · 17th October 2022, 12:27 AM

The handle pics look like African Blackwood. The black middle and a brownish corners/outside is typical of the how the tree limbs grow. The look is similar to a lot of the Hadendawa double C handle tips. Of course rhino can be confirmed in-hand

Ed

werecow · 17th October 2022, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Very nice example of an Ethiopian 'gurade' (SE curved blade) which is of course a 'working' example, very nice to see the great scabbard and belt. The blade is of the British M1796 light cavalry type, but could well be the Blucher N1811 as these are so similar. In both cases these are often unmarked so it is harder to determine, especially from pics.

Were both blades used in the region? I also have a gurade with a 1796 profile blade (I can post pics if anyone is interested). FWIW the distal taper on the gurade is significantly more gradual than the blade on my JJ Runkel 1796, and it is not as thick at the base. I've been given to understand that the M1811 were often more forward weighted than the 1796 so I've always just kind of assumed that it's a Blucher blade. But I don't know how much variation there was in either the 1796 or the Blucher so maybe it's meaningless.

drac2k · 17th October 2022, 03:55 AM

In regards to the handle, I guess it could be ironwood; I assumed that it was horn based on its feel and a lack of concentric circles on the pommel.

I would be very happy to have you post your example.

Jim McDougall · 17th October 2022, 04:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by werecow

Were both blades used in the region? I also have a gurade with a 1796 profile blade (I can post pics if anyone is interested). FWIW the distal taper on the gurade is significantly more gradual than the blade on my JJ Runkel 1796, and it is not as thick at the base. I've been given to understand that the M1811 were often more forward weighted than the 1796 so I've always just kind of assumed that it's a Blucher blade. But I don't know how much variation there was in either the 1796 or the Blucher so maybe it's meaningless.

Definitely pictures help.
This is a tough one as while the British 1796 was effectively replaced by the M1821 saber with a cut and thrust blade with 'spear point' instead of the radiused hatchet point....it continued in some production later for native cavalry in India.

The German M1811 is similar to the British 1796, but the earlier, the 'beefier' is the general axiom. These also were produced in great number and actually even used up to WWII.

The thing is, both England and German suppliers were sending both gurade and shotel blades to then Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) in in latter 19th into 1930s.

The thing is, whether early British or German examples might have ended up in Ethiopia. For the most part, it seems unlikely as most of the emphasis for blades was for broadsword (kaskara) type blades, however later in the 19th century into 30s blades for gurades and shotels became popular as the colonial struggles continued with Great Britain, France, Germany and Italy.

The factor involving other sources for blades into North Africa in some degree is India, and trade action always provided potential for incidental numbers of blades that may have come from there. For the most part these I would regard as anomalies, but the later influx of British and German blades of course are a bit more recognizable.

Jim McDougall · 17th October 2022, 04:54 AM

First is a GURADE (SE curved saber) which is clearly German made and has the GG and thermometer (Ges Gesch=guarantee, the therrmometer believed FW Holler)often seen on various German made blades. In this case it is the entire sword made up for Abyssinian forces probably early 20th c. The M may be for one of the suppliers possibly in Harrar.
Note the distinct Lion of Judah symbol (for the rule of Menelik II, 1889-1913, later Haile Selassie) on the langet. The blade has acid etched Amharic script.

Next is a native gurade, with German made blade, note etched Lion of Judah, which seems consistent with these German examples for Abyssinia of the 1890s into early 20th c.
The hilt is rhino but left in its translucent state. The pommel decoration is used rather than often seen Maria Theresa thaler.

The native SHOTEL (DE curved), with what seems a native blade with typical raised midrif and likely 1870s+ and rhino hilt. These were used well through 1930s,

Just wanted to add these to illustrate the German blades, hilt variation, and the military style gurade.

The Amharic shield used and photo of Menelik II

Martin Lubojacky · 17th October 2022, 10:39 AM

The handle is very likely made of very hard ebony wood (the grooves on the underside, caused by processing, would correspond to this). I don't think the Ethiopians deliberately stained the handles. Over years of use in field conditions, and by hanging the weapon in a room that did not have a fireplace with a chimney, a crust-like patina often developed that completely covered the original color of the material. A hilt with a "highlighted back" is not so common. Similarly, this sheath with a blunt end is relatively rare to see and, in my opinion, is of an "older type" (in Ethiopia) than the classic sheath
Best regards,
Martin

werecow · 21st October 2022, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Definitely pictures help.
This is a tough one as while the British 1796 was effectively replaced by the M1821 saber with a cut and thrust blade with 'spear point' instead of the radiused hatchet point....it continued in some production later for native cavalry in India.

The German M1811 is similar to the British 1796, but the earlier, the 'beefier' is the general axiom. These also were produced in great number and actually even used up to WWII.

The thing is, both England and German suppliers were sending both gurade and shotel blades to then Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) in in latter 19th into 1930s.

The thing is, whether early British or German examples might have ended up in Ethiopia. For the most part, it seems unlikely as most of the emphasis for blades was for broadsword (kaskara) type blades, however later in the 19th century into 30s blades for gurades and shotels became popular as the colonial struggles continued with Great Britain, France, Germany and Italy.

The factor involving other sources for blades into North Africa in some degree is India, and trade action always provided potential for incidental numbers of blades that may have come from there. For the most part these I would regard as anomalies, but the later influx of British and German blades of course are a bit more recognizable.

Actually, now that I've put the gurade and the 1796 (at least I assume it is one; there is a barely visible JJ Runkel signature on the spine) side by side they're clearly very different; the fuller on the gurade is much narrower, shallower and shorter, it doesn't flare quite as much, plus the gurade has something like an "Indian ricasso". And as noted, the distal taper is not as abrupt. Not sure why I never noticed all those other differences before.

Perhaps the gurade's blade is local manufacture?

I really need to get a better camera, but for now here are the pictures. I added in my Shotel and the 1796 for good measure.

I've noticed that both the gurade and shotel are set into the grip at a slight angle. Presumably this is to aid edge alignment?

And also, both of these swords and a modern made Afar gile that I have are impossible to get into their scabbards. I barely got them out when I first received them. Is this a common problem? The gurade's is very tough, I think it's hide. Not sure what that odd cutout is for at the top.

Finally, what is the hole right beneath the flare of the pommel for? Presumably it has something to do with the construction, but it's at the wrong side for it to be a rivet.

gp · 21st October 2022, 04:15 PM

Question I have is what B would be used for ?

Is it :
a. ceremonial
b. executional
c. something else , but what

as I can hardly see it as a combat weapon ( which A clearly is) as it would not be easy to handle, swing and be fast in a cover and attack mode which one would have with the type of sword which A is, or standard European, Ottoman and even Indonesian ( thinking of the agility originating from Pentjak Silat) ....
The lengtht and curve would contradict a close combat advantage for the bearer of this weapon I think...
Also the force of a blow being blocked would be on the erea indicated by me with the 2 red arrows, would not be nice at all or comfortalbe for the wrist and also muscles fo the arm and wearing the carrier of such weaopn out...
What is your opinion ?

Martin Lubojacky · 20th October 2022, 11:09 AM

I would just add that the custom in Ethiopia is to eat national food with fingers and not with cutlery. This is done using a "pancake" called injara, a piece of which is torn off and the food is wrapped in it and put in the mouth. I have no doubt at all that (not only) during the military campaigns the sabre hilt very quickly acquired a thorough patina, which is found on practically all Ethiopian old weapons, and is beautiful. In addition, sabres were used when eating another local specialty - raw beef meat, where the meat was not chewed but cut off when it was put in the mouth. It makes your hands really greasy and there's no way to wipe them properly. And - there are many types of spices made from red hot peppers in Ethiopia and the locals cannot imagine a national dish without them.....

16th October 2022, 07:08 PM	#1
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,174	Ethiopian Shotel or Gurade to share I believe this to be a good working order gurade or shotel.It has a very substantial 32", possibly a European blade with a horn handle and some type of copper boss on the pommel. There is some wear on the corners where it appears lighter; was it a practice to sometimes dye the handles? Attached Images

17th October 2022, 04:54 AM	#8
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,747	Abyssinian swords for comparisons First is a GURADE (SE curved saber) which is clearly German made and has the GG and thermometer (Ges Gesch=guarantee, the therrmometer believed FW Holler)often seen on various German made blades. In this case it is the entire sword made up for Abyssinian forces probably early 20th c. The M may be for one of the suppliers possibly in Harrar. Note the distinct Lion of Judah symbol (for the rule of Menelik II, 1889-1913, later Haile Selassie) on the langet. The blade has acid etched Amharic script. Next is a native gurade, with German made blade, note etched Lion of Judah, which seems consistent with these German examples for Abyssinia of the 1890s into early 20th c. The hilt is rhino but left in its translucent state. The pommel decoration is used rather than often seen Maria Theresa thaler. The native SHOTEL (DE curved), with what seems a native blade with typical raised midrif and likely 1870s+ and rhino hilt. These were used well through 1930s, Just wanted to add these to illustrate the German blades, hilt variation, and the military style gurade. The Amharic shield used and photo of Menelik II Attached Images Last edited by Jim McDougall; 17th October 2022 at 05:27 AM.

21st October 2022, 04:15 PM	#11
gp Member Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 658	Question I have is what B would be used for ? Is it : a. ceremonial b. executional c. something else , but what as I can hardly see it as a combat weapon ( which A clearly is) as it would not be easy to handle, swing and be fast in a cover and attack mode which one would have with the type of sword which A is, or standard European, Ottoman and even Indonesian ( thinking of the agility originating from Pentjak Silat) .... The lengtht and curve would contradict a close combat advantage for the bearer of this weapon I think... Also the force of a blow being blocked would be on the erea indicated by me with the 2 red arrows, would not be nice at all or comfortalbe for the wrist and also muscles fo the arm and wearing the carrier of such weaopn out... What is your opinion ? Attached Images

16th October 2022, 09:05 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,747	Very nice example of an Ethiopian 'gurade' (SE curved blade) which is of course a 'working' example, very nice to see the great scabbard and belt. The blade is of the British M1796 light cavalry type, but could well be the Blucher N1811 as these are so similar. In both cases these are often unmarked so it is harder to determine, especially from pics. Apparently it was indeed a practice to dye the rhino horn as it is typically an amber, almost translucent in cases color while darker toward core. It is hard to say what this brass piece is on the pommel area, and unusual to see it so off center. The older versions of these, and in many cases the shotels would have Maria Theresa thalers on the pommel, these probably acquired in the trade centers where these blades often were arriving through many Armenian merchants in Harar.

16th October 2022, 11:41 PM	#3
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,174	Thanks for your input, Jim, its always great to hear from you.

17th October 2022, 12:27 AM	#4
Edster Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 391	The handle pics look like African Blackwood. The black middle and a brownish corners/outside is typical of the how the tree limbs grow. The look is similar to a lot of the Hadendawa double C handle tips. Of course rhino can be confirmed in-hand Ed

17th October 2022, 03:55 AM	#6
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,174	In regards to the handle, I guess it could be ironwood; I assumed that it was horn based on its feel and a lack of concentric circles on the pommel. I would be very happy to have you post your example.

17th October 2022, 10:39 AM	#9
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 836	The handle is very likely made of very hard ebony wood (the grooves on the underside, caused by processing, would correspond to this). I don't think the Ethiopians deliberately stained the handles. Over years of use in field conditions, and by hanging the weapon in a room that did not have a fireplace with a chimney, a crust-like patina often developed that completely covered the original color of the material. A hilt with a "highlighted back" is not so common. Similarly, this sheath with a blunt end is relatively rare to see and, in my opinion, is of an "older type" (in Ethiopia) than the classic sheath Best regards, Martin

20th October 2022, 11:09 AM	#12
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 836	I would just add that the custom in Ethiopia is to eat national food with fingers and not with cutlery. This is done using a "pancake" called injara, a piece of which is torn off and the food is wrapped in it and put in the mouth. I have no doubt at all that (not only) during the military campaigns the sabre hilt very quickly acquired a thorough patina, which is found on practically all Ethiopian old weapons, and is beautiful. In addition, sabres were used when eating another local specialty - raw beef meat, where the meat was not chewed but cut off when it was put in the mouth. It makes your hands really greasy and there's no way to wipe them properly. And - there are many types of spices made from red hot peppers in Ethiopia and the locals cannot imagine a national dish without them.....