RON
Well-known member
Greetings fellow collectors.
I recently won this German lion-head style officer sword made in Constantinople and I’m wondering how to tell if it’s pre- or post WW1/Ottoman Empire.
Here are some observations and querries:
- Crescent with star pointing outwards on the rain guard & blade etching: Ottomans had the star pointing outwards whilst with the advent of the Turkish republic, the star started pointing inwards… but this wasn’t necessarily abided by.
- Maker’s Mark on the spine reads: “EKSERDYIAN & GARABEDIAN CONSTANTINOPLE” (Armenian names + “Constantinople”= pre WW1?)
- The number on the spine at ricasso level reads: “o (?) 26” — Some theatrical costumer mark perhaps?
- Metallic scabbard is covered with what looks like old hand-stitched leather — Standard period practice maybe to camouflage the scabbard? Also note the additional (slightly smaller) belt loop.
- Shagreen on grip is in bad shape near the pommel with what looks like tiny insect holes (moth bites?)—You can see the grip material underneath)wood?)
Here are some closeups:
I recently won this German lion-head style officer sword made in Constantinople and I’m wondering how to tell if it’s pre- or post WW1/Ottoman Empire.
Here are some observations and querries:
- Crescent with star pointing outwards on the rain guard & blade etching: Ottomans had the star pointing outwards whilst with the advent of the Turkish republic, the star started pointing inwards… but this wasn’t necessarily abided by.
- Maker’s Mark on the spine reads: “EKSERDYIAN & GARABEDIAN CONSTANTINOPLE” (Armenian names + “Constantinople”= pre WW1?)
- The number on the spine at ricasso level reads: “o (?) 26” — Some theatrical costumer mark perhaps?
- Metallic scabbard is covered with what looks like old hand-stitched leather — Standard period practice maybe to camouflage the scabbard? Also note the additional (slightly smaller) belt loop.
- Shagreen on grip is in bad shape near the pommel with what looks like tiny insect holes (moth bites?)—You can see the grip material underneath)wood?)
Here are some closeups:
