Posted 5 years ago
rjsenarighi
(1 item)
While cleaning out an old relative's home in 1974, I came across these swords. I kept them, and used them as decoration in my home. I never did find any information on them. I have had some tell me they are Beja Shrine swords from the 1930 - 1940s. I also was shown a hand colored picture dated 1901 that had a person in Arab Patrol costume holding a sword that looked identical to these two. I have attempted to locate these using the internet, but have had no success. Anyone have any information or ideas?
Looking for answer(s) or ideas.
The swords are a version of the shamshir. Yours appear to be decorative.
Any thoughts vintage?
Decorative and not vintage.
Perhaps I misspoke. I don't want to know if these are vintage or decorative, I am wondering about the age of the swords. Any ideas?
Look to be low quality, decorative/ souvenir type items.
I don't see a lot of age to them, but hard to tell. A photo or two of the blades may be helpful.
scott
What is the metal used on the handle? Is the scabbard chrome/Nickle plated? How is the blade affixed to the handle? Is the blade sharp? Any markings anywhere? Does the blade have a fuller?
I don't know the metal in the handle, but it is heavier than aluminum. The caps on the scabbard tips are of the same metal. Scabbard is plated, I'm assuming it is chrome as I think nickel would have shown some wear. The handle appears to be one piece and I can not find any pins in it. It appears that either the tang is swedged into a slot in the handle or perhaps the handle was cast around the tang. Blade tapers to a cutting edge, but is not sharp. There is a fuller on each sword blade. Currently the swords are in storage, so I can't check the blade for any markings.
I think I have figured it out. The swords are Shriner's. The face on the handles are Pharaonic (Sphinx). The cross guards are the Crescent part of the Shriner's logo.
I have had appraisers tell me 1901 and another one tell me 1930s to 1940s. I got them in 1972 from a relative's estate. He was a WW I vet and active in many different organizations. Any way you know of to date these things?
Did you pay for the appraisal? Was it just an opinion? What difference is the age relative to value?
I paid for one appraisal, the one that gave me the 1930 -1940 date. He quoted auction values (which I know depend on the buyer/collector) of $250-$375 each. The other was an opinion based upon a dated, hand colored photo he had depicting a person in "Arab Scouting" costume holding a sword identical to mine. My priority isn't value (although I would like to know) but what is the age/date/vintage of these swords?
Seems to me that your appraiser was right on. Chrome plating became available in the mid 1920's which reinforces his dates. Very nice pieces and in perfect condition.
I've enjoyed discussing this with you.
IF this is a shriner's sword or just a souvenir piece, the quoted valuation is high.
These wouldn't bring $100 individually unless there was some serious seller hype/ bs story that a few bidders believed.
scott
Thanks for your input everyone. I'm really not interested in the value or selling them. But wanted the info/opinion on the age/era. I have an idea now.