кто тебя ждёт, вернее неё?
Design in Custom Fixed-Blade Knives; Dr. David Darom; Chartwell Books
Yatagan Sword with Scabbard, dated A.H. 1238/A.D. 1822, Anatolian or Balkan
The sword is inscribed with the date 1238 (A.D. 1822), the name of the maker (“Made by Abdullah”) and six Turkish verses of good will towards the owner. There are two other names of two owners (Ismael Gazi and Abdul Kadar).
Attributed to Jean Berain I (1640 - 1719)
Ceremonial Sword, 19th century, Chinese
The sword has a curved, single-edged blade with thin groove and an oval, metallic hilt decorated with sculpted dragons. The grip is made of jade and the scabbard of wooden featuring white, metallic covering richly decorated with dragons and geometrical motifs, plus six jade gems.
Balkan Clasp Knife, mid-19th century
The curved case of brass comes with baroque motifs and a hooked terminal while the broad blade has a clipped tip etched with a flower on one side and a fish on the other. Features a rectangular brass seal attached, containing four lines of characters.
Serrated Tulwar Sword,19th century or earlier,Indian
A very rare and unusual straight Indian sword with a serrated edge and double tipped blade. The Tulwar style handle has silver kaftgari that is mostly intact. The unusual blade is well made with a toothy deeply serrated edge that splits into two points (similar to the S-shaped Zulfikar sword), most likely for puncturing chain mail. The center of the blade has rows of small sideways fullers on both sides. On one side of the blade there is a cartouche with remnants of red pigment.
Black Sea Yataghan Sword, mid-19th century
A sword with a rare form found in Eastern Anatolia and the Transcaucasus. The horn grips are arched in the form of a crescent, the grip comes with black leather wrapping in strips of green hide. The blade is deeply struck with a maker’s mark, recurved and bellied, with multiple fullers, brass inlay and punched and inlaid motifs along the spine. Presented in its wooden scabbard with cord wrap and woven leather panel.
Italian Rapier, circa 1610
The sword has an iron hilt, barrel formed pommel, knuckle guard descending to an elegantly S-formed quillons, loop guard, inner-guard, and branches with small rosette-like plates. The hilt features chiselled scenes with figures. The pommel shows three riders on horseback, the knuckle guard has knights in armour while the upper portion of loop guard shows four riders on horseback. The lower portion shows two other riders together with a shell and stylised plant designs appearing between the figures. There are remnants of gilded background. The grip was iron wire wrapped and has the turk’s heads. The rapier has a double-edged blade of flattened-hexagonal section, ricasso struck with mark “CAINO” and a shield with the letter “S” arranged vertically beneath a crown on respective sides. The fuller, on both sides, has the letters "ASASTASI".
Hand-and-a-Half Sword, circa 1580, Saxon
Featuring a broad double-edged blade of flattened oval section the sword is inlaid with a latten orb and cross mark within the short fuller on one side of the forte. The ricasso has incised borders struck with three unidentified maker’s marks on both sides. The blackened steel hilt comprising conical-shaped pommel, side-rings and counter guards, with straight quillons having spatulate tips and button terminals and shagreen covered grip of tapering oval section covered with leather above the shoulder.
Spanish Cup-Hilt Rapier, 17th century, Spanish
This is a taza rapier, "taza" meaning "bowl" or "cup" in Spanish, from the Viollet le Duc’s period. This is a good example of a rapier, a weapon used by the famous three musketeers, Cyrano de Bergerac and other heroes of the 17th century. The blade features inscriptions, on one side “Justicia 1572”, but this rapier style is circa 1620, on the other side stands "Prudencia". The taza hilt, or cup-hilt, features birds patterns while the blade is 92 cm long for a total of 112 cm and 2.3 cm width at the ricasso.
Arabian Silver-Hilted Sword and Scabbard, 19th century
The slightly curved steel blade swelling somewhat at the tip with groove at flat edge, the hooked silver pommel with short quillons and knuckle chain, the scabbard with ornate openwork silver comprising six rosette medallions, two suspension rings and thread strap.
French Silver Colichemarde Sword, 18th century
The sword has a classic silver hilt “à Pas d’Ane” and a leather covered scabbard with two silver mounts and a fancy “bouterolle”. The blade is double edged of triangular cross section engraved with foliage patterns. It is believed that the style of blade was invented and named after the Graf von Königsmark which became "Colichemarde" in French. The blade type is found on examples predating the counts lifetime, so while the name maybe a derivative of his, the blade type probably developed separately. It originated, most likely, from the late period rapier blades that had a wide forte, often with several fullers, and then a step down in width after the fullers ended. The cross section of the Colichemarde blades are usually hexagonal or diamond shaped. Due to a partial resemblance in shape, the colichemarde is considered to be a descendant of the rapier. The shape of a colichemarde combines good parrying qualities with good thrusting abilities and the ability to fence faster. This is achieved thanks to a wide forte, which then stepped down in width after the fullers ended. It was one of the most popular types of small swords. The result of this strange shape was a higher maneuverability of the sword: with the weight of the blade concentrated in one’s hand it became possible to maneuver the blade at a greater speed and with a higher degree of control, allowing the fencer to place a precise thrust at his opponent.
Schiavona Sword, 17th Century, Italian
The sword features a straight, double-edged blade of hexagonal section and a double groove at the first part. It has stamps and effigy of the Passau wolf; iron basket hilt, slightly engraved while the brass pommel is shaped in the form of a stylized cat head.
Flamberge Sword, around 1580, German
Two-handed sword from southern Germany, dated late 16th century. The sword features a blackened iron hilt with a large pommel and a tapered neck. The square-shaped quillons are bent with rolled ends being completed by two pairs of lateral trim elements. The guard has shows lily-shaped inserts. The wooden grip is covered in leather as well as the long ricasso.
8-ring Dao Sword, circa 1900, Chinese
This Chinese Dao was captured in Peking by Brigadier General G.H.Turner during the Boxer Uprising around 1900. It was later Donated by his daughters, the Turner sisters, and if I recall correctly a Yacht club in Victoria and later sold as public display laws changed. The sword is a thick and heavy blade. Each side of the blade has twin upswept fullers just below the eight rings found on the pierced spine. Below these fullers are two dragons chasing a flaming pearl. To the forte of each side are the Bagua or trigram symbols, both this and the dragons being very potent symbols. The sword is noted to be an executioners sword which is often just a western misconception associated with Dao and Dadao swords, but often Dadao types of swords were used in this manner as historical photos portray. Though, the provenance and presence of heavy corrosion to the tip may indicate that this weapon was used as an execution sword. The hilt is of typical styling seen on sabres of the late 19th century. It has a large bulbous brass pommel and collar and a decorative Tsuba like guard with simulated bamboo edges and decorative floral motifs to the grip side. The grip is bound in mulberry paper and original cloth bindings.
Twin Jian Swords,probably end of 17th century (Qing Dynasty) Chinese
German Rapier, last quarter of the 16th Century, Germany
The sword has a straight, double-edged blade of hexagonal section and a central groove at the tang and the forte. The beautiful, elegant, iron hilt is decorated with chiselled curls and triangular open-works. The rectangular designs at the pommel and the outlined borders still remain previous gilding. The wooden grip features copper wire binding and a moor’s head.
Turko-Persian Dagger, 11th/12th century (Ghaznavid or Seljuk Dynasty) Eastern Persia
The curved stiletto blade is cross-formed in section with a flattened back edge in the section below the hilt, the vertical edges retaining inlaid decoration in gold and silver. The gilding is composed of friezes of running animals and bands of cursive calligraphy on a ground of foliate scrolls additionally with elongated rope-twist terminals. A top section of the back edge is engraved with a repeating design of stylised palmettes within paired leaves all heightened with gilt, an integral collar engraved with bands of interlocking palmettes, possibly with traces of a resinous substance, and inlaid in silver with a symmetrical arabesque, housing a curved slender wood hilt. The domed pommel has traces of an inlaid gold scroll design.
Rapier and Left-hand Dagger, circa 1600, German
Sword, rapier, with left hand dagger, apparently called “Garnitur.”
Saber with Scabbard and Carrying Belt, early 17th century, Polish
This is one of a series of twelve jeweled sabers made in Hungarian style for use at the Saxon court in Dresden. These twelve swords are recorded as having had new wrist chains added in 1687 and as having been used again in 1709. This example bears what may be the mark of Georg Hoffmann (recorded 1586–1609), a goldsmith working in Breslau (now Wroclaw, Poland).
Short sword with scabbard, 1809,Turkey and Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Hunting Sword of Prince Camillo Borghese, (French, Paris, recorded 1779–1818)
In addition to the traditional hunting motifs, the decoration includes (on the back of the guard) the monogram of Camillo Borghese (1775–1832), Napoléon’s brother-in-law, who served the French cause in Italy. The scabbard is engraved with Pirmet’s name and his title, "gunmaker to His Majesty, the King of Westphalia," in reference to Napoleon’s brother Jérôme Bonaparte.
Damascus Yataghan, 1812 A.D., Balkans
A fine silver mounted Ottoman Yataghan sword from the Balkans with a dated Tughra inscription. The sword has a nicely decorated silver hilt and silver bolster straps. The hilt has ornate silver decorative studs covering the securing pins. The blade is forged from high quality Turkish Ribbon Damascus with silver inlay along both sides. One side has a very ornate Tughra with the Islamic date 1227 contained within it (1812 A.D.). The other inscriptions reveal the maker, “Fahledi”, to be “Ahmed” and the owner to be “Haji Yusaf” (on the spine of the blade).
Pichangatti Knife, 19th century, Indian, Curg
Comes with implements on a chain.
The Hook Swords
Reliable information on hook swords is difficult to come by. While sometimes called an ancient weapon and described as dating from the Song dynasty to Warring States or even earlier, most antique examples and artistic depictions are from the late Qing era or later, suggesting that they are actually a comparatively recent design. They were also an exclusively civilian weapon, appearing in none of the official listings of Chinese armaments. Surviving sharpened examples point to actual use as weapons, but their rarity, and the training necessary to use them, strongly suggest that they were only rarely used as such. Also known as tiger hook swords or qian kun ri yue dao (literally "Heavenly Sun and Moon Sword"), these weapons have a blade similar to that of the jian, though possibly thicker or unsharpened, with a prong or hook (similar to a shepherd’s crook) near the tip. Guards are substantial, in the style of butterfly swords. Often used in pairs, the hooks of the weapons may be used to trap or deflect other weapons. There are five components to the hook sword:
Madu (Parrying weapon) 19th century, South Indian
The weapon comes with a central brass knuckle duster.
Electoral Sword with scabbard, knife and awl
The sword is dated in the 1547 and is a ceremonial weapon designed by the Nuremberg goldsmith Lorenz Trunck. The sword was a gift from Emperor Charles V to Elector Moritz of Saxony. Without any heraldic symbol, the symbolic power of their weapon obtained by the graphic depictions in silver relief. The main subject is Hercules, identified with the both Charles and Maurice, and Cacus. The two exchanging hand shakes, symbolizes a bond of friendship.
Rapier and Parrying Dagger, beginning of the 17th Century
The rapier comes in a set together with a dagger and scabbard. The royal ceremonial weapons set bears on the hilt of the rapier arms and the initials of Wolf Ernst von Wolff Ramsdorf, Elector of Saxony equerry and Marshal 1588-1611.
Kastane Sword, 1776- 1799, Singhala, Sri Lanka
The blade of this Kastane sword is of European origin. The hilt, pommel and the guards endings are always worked into the shape of monster’s heads. In this piece with a single edged, curved, steel blade the hilt and scabbard’s richness stands out, completely made out of engraved silver. The hilt, cast in a single piece, presents a grip with decoration set out in panels filled with vegetal themes and grotesques. In the hand-guard a flawlessly chiselled beautiful feminine figure stands out. The guards and the pommels are worked into the shape of makaras – mythical creature of Hindu mythology – with rubies set in their eyes. The scabbard, made of wood, is completely covered in repoussé and chiselled silver with a similar panelled vegetal decoration.
Gold Gilt Kindjal Dagger, 20th century, Russian
This rare Russian Kindjal dagger is covered in gold gilt with silver niello inlay on the reverse. These traditional weapons of the Cossack served as both an essential side arm and a fashion accessory. In the last volatile decades of Russian Imperial rule, the Kindjal became even more important than ever for personal protection. Due to its double-edged, broad blade design, the Kindjal was well-suited as a close combat weapon. Such artistically executed Kindjals were an integral part of traditional Russian dress that originated with the Eastern Slavic Cossack peoples, a segment of the Caucasus, who were known for their impeccable military skills. The Cossack migrated from areas of Georgia and southern Russia to escape religious and political persecution, and banded together in small settlements for protection. Under the Tsars, the Cossack were allowed great autonomy in exchange for military service and protection of the Russian frontier regions. Many of their customs, including their dress and weaponry, including the Kindjal, were accepted by mainstream culture. Even the Tsars were known to wear the traditional black long robe with the Kindjal worn on the side, an ensemble which is still worn by Cossacks today.
© Art of Swords
столько, блин, дел, а я залип просто
поцелуй в глаза свою смерть, кто тебя любит, больше неё?
кто тебя ждёт, вернее неё?
Gold Gilt Kindjal Dagger, 20th century, Russian
This rare Russian Kindjal dagger is covered in gold gilt with silver niello inlay on the reverse. These traditional weapons of the Cossack served as both an essential side arm and a fashion accessory. In the last volatile decades of Russian Imperial rule, the Kindjal became even more important than ever for personal protection. Due to its double-edged, broad blade design, the Kindjal was well-suited as a close combat weapon. Such artistically executed Kindjals were an integral part of traditional Russian dress that originated with the Eastern Slavic Cossack peoples, a segment of the Caucasus, who were known for their impeccable military skills. The Cossack migrated from areas of Georgia and southern Russia to escape religious and political persecution, and banded together in small settlements for protection. Under the Tsars, the Cossack were allowed great autonomy in exchange for military service and protection of the Russian frontier regions. Many of their customs, including their dress and weaponry, including the Kindjal, were accepted by mainstream culture. Even the Tsars were known to wear the traditional black long robe with the Kindjal worn on the side, an ensemble which is still worn by Cossacks today.
© Art of Swords
столько, блин, дел, а я залип просто
Gold Gilt Kindjal Dagger, 20th century, Russian
This rare Russian Kindjal dagger is covered in gold gilt with silver niello inlay on the reverse. These traditional weapons of the Cossack served as both an essential side arm and a fashion accessory. In the last volatile decades of Russian Imperial rule, the Kindjal became even more important than ever for personal protection. Due to its double-edged, broad blade design, the Kindjal was well-suited as a close combat weapon. Such artistically executed Kindjals were an integral part of traditional Russian dress that originated with the Eastern Slavic Cossack peoples, a segment of the Caucasus, who were known for their impeccable military skills. The Cossack migrated from areas of Georgia and southern Russia to escape religious and political persecution, and banded together in small settlements for protection. Under the Tsars, the Cossack were allowed great autonomy in exchange for military service and protection of the Russian frontier regions. Many of their customs, including their dress and weaponry, including the Kindjal, were accepted by mainstream culture. Even the Tsars were known to wear the traditional black long robe with the Kindjal worn on the side, an ensemble which is still worn by Cossacks today.
© Art of Swords
столько, блин, дел, а я залип просто