I was fortunate enough to snag the Kolombatovich Great Sword on eBay, which led me to some memories.

Long ago I acquired what I now believe is a companion dagger to one of the Kolombatovich rapiers. It is a great piece, among my favorites.

I purchased the dagger from a gentleman named Eiler Robert Cook whose business was called Historic Edged Weaponry. Does anyone recall dealing with this fellow? Is he still with us?

Just curious. I'd also be interested to hear from anyone who can comment on the sword in question.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...DME:B:EOAB:US:6

Thanks.
JSA

I used to own quite a few things made by Mr. Kolombatovich, and dealt extensively with Mr. Cook. Mr. Cook is no longer in the importation business, and hasn't been for quite a number of years. He told me that the rising cost of importation and increased competition made it unprofitable for him.

I have had experience with this sword. A friend of mine bought one long ago. The sword is overly blade heavy for the type, extremely so in my opinion. The tang is also underbuilt for a sword of this size, as were most of Mr. K's larger swords. Heat treating was always a hit or miss thing with this particular maker also. On the positive side it's an attractive piece and would do quite well for a, ornamental or dress weapon.

Hey! I used to own one of those swords! Wow, what a blast from the past. I really liked the sword, at the time. I think now the market has perhaps evolved beyond them, but all that depends on the price point. My particular example had a good heat treat, but a small tang. Another version had virtually no heat-treat and the third was strangely whippy.

I've dealt with Mr. Cook a lot in the past, having purchased many items from him. I've also dealt with American Fencers (some 150 feet from where I currently live and type this message) who importat Oscar's wares as well.

I agree with the points Patrick makes in his post above.

You'll notice several Oscar Kolombotavich pieces in my collection gallery still, including two rapiers and various daggers. I've owned a couple dozen others over the years, too.

Hi Nathan,

I'm noticing that the www.amfence.com page is listing several swords the Kolombatovich series page as NEW. Now, I'm left wondering if they mean new, as in new production, or new unused.

I know there was a rumor that someone was going to be remanufacturing Kolombatovich patterns and wondered if you had heard anything on this.

I know the Macbeth and others are not new designs, hence the query.

Cheers

Glen

A sort of nostalgia was one of the reasons I bid on the Kolombatovich sword. The dagger I purchased from Mr. Cook way back when was among the first few "real" weapons I owned. I think the first was a DT2133 sold by MRL as a "Crusader Sword." I still have both items.

Thinking of those days, the wealth of products and information available now challenges belief.

I was the lone bidder on the Great Sword; whether it was worth it remains to be seen.

JSA