A LUCERNE HAMMER C.1500-20

Popular Collectibles: Militaria: Edged Weapons Pre 1700: item #784326
08-102

Because of their strategic location, the Swiss cantons were under continuous threat in the Middle Ages and attacks were frequent. The Swiss evolved effective tactics and new weapons to keep their advantage. At the battle of Sempach in 1386 Swiss infantry, with halberds and pikes, killed King Leopold III and two columns of mounted Austrian knights virtually to the man. In the 15th century, the Swiss developed a weapon which again, devastated armored mounted knights. The Lucerne hammer combine... Click for details

A SPANISH RAPIER C.1660

Popular Collectibles: Militaria: Edged Weapons Pre 1700: item #784325
75-134

This rapier is an early example of the response to the mid 17th century movement toward greater agility in combat, the benefit of which was learned at great cost from the Ottoman Turks. Armor had grown too heavy for some functions and was abandoned. Similarly, the heavy swords used against it gave way in some areas to lighter and infinitely more maneuverable weapons. Its slender blade is intended for thrusting only and was used according to a set of well developed maneuvers. Each side of the... Click for details

ANTIQUE GERMAN RAPIER C.1660-80

Popular Collectibles: Militaria: Edged Weapons Pre 1700: item #784322
08-128

This is an example of the rapier in Northern Europe as it evolved in the second half of the 17th century. A lighter hilt provided greater maneuverability without sacrificing protection. The design here employs an intriguing slender profile with slightly concave surfaces, probably a further effort to optimize weight, with a very handsome result. Blade length: 32 1/4” GC.075

CLASSIC SUDANESE DAGGER/SHORT SWORD OF THE MAHDIST PERI

Popular Collectibles: Militaria: Edged Weapons Pre 1900: item #784319
75-140

12" curved jambiya form blade. Village made and retaining its hammer and stone finish. The forte decorated both sides with chisel work in the form of geometric panels. One piece hilt made of coarse crocodile skin. The Nile crocodile was especially sacred to the Mahdists. Shows good age patina throughout with some staining to the blade and encrustation to the hilt.

SWISS VOLGUE OR HALBERD C.1350-1500.

Popular Collectibles: Militaria: Edged Weapons Pre 1492: item #784316
75-49

Would date C.1350-1500. 95” length. Iron head of Swiss form with broad tapered spear point and straight edge axe blade secured on an integrally forged conical socket. Head shows smooth finish interspersed with hammer texture. Haft shows superficial abrasions and rich color.

ANOTHER TAUREG BELT DAGGER.

Popular Collectibles: Militaria: Edged Weapons Pre 1900: item #784314
75-144

Very similar form with 9 3/4" hammer finish blade (minor staining only). One piece wood hilt with geometric decorated brass base band. Modeled and tooled contrasting color leather scabbard, sound, complete with some wear to the edges and high points.

SUDANESE BELT DAGGER/SHORT SWORD.

Popular Collectibles: Militaria: Edged Weapons Pre 1900: item #784311
75-145

10 1/2" d.e. leaf shaped blade with unusual sharply angled fuller from the point to one side, the other side of the blade inset with double large copper disks. Shaped hilt with chevron decorated brass base, braided leather medial band and leather covered pommel. Brown leather scabbard with raised edges and transverse bands, decorated with tooled motif to the medial. Scabbard sound and about excellent, lacks the belt loop mount to the top only. Blade shows some texture as made, otherwise exce... Click for details

VARIANT FORM SUDANESE BELT DAGGER.

Popular Collectibles: Militaria: Edged Weapons Pre 1900: item #784310
75-150

8” s.e. blade of straight form with spear point and thickened decoratively banded forte. Shows medium gray patina with few isolated islands old black staining with some pitting, negligible for the period. Wood hilt with banded brass base segment (crack with small piece out) oval fighting guard and brass pommel.

CLASSIC SUDANESE DAGGER OF THE MAHDIST PERIOD.

Popular Collectibles: Militaria: Edged Weapons Pre 1900: item #784306
75-151

7 3/4" sharply angled diamond section blade of jambiya form. One piece horn hilt with line bordered sharply pointed pommel set with a brass disk in ring. VG and better. The blade with black staining over original hammer and tool marks. Hilt complete with some minor lamination/flaking only.

UNUSUAL MAHDIST DAGGER.

Popular Collectibles: Militaria: Edged Weapons Pre 1900: item #784305
75-154

8 1/8" double fullered d.e. blade evidently made from an 18th century European sword blade. One piece brass hilt with flared pommel decorated in geometric panels, tapered grip and banded cross guard. Hilt shows good patina with numerous small bruises on the grip from use. Blade worn as used and shows scattered light pitting with dark patina.