[Lafayette C Curtis]

I'd like the help of the folks here to identify a sword I photographed in a museum--it's the sword in the middle of the two pictures below. Since it's displayed in Jakarta--formerly Batavia, the seat of the Dutch East Indies colonial government--I suspect it's a 17th-century infantry sword from the early VOC era, a suspicion strengthened by the shape of the shell guard, knuckle bar, and thumb ring on the hilt. But I'm not as knowledgeable about this particular kind of sword as I'd like to be so that guess might be far off the mark. Can anybody confirm or deny it?

[Lafayette C Curtis]

Ladies and gentlemen? I'd like any opinions on the identification of this sword, even if it establishes that my initial guess at the sword's provenance is 100% wrong...

[David Evans]

A thumb ring normally suggests a Cavalry sword. The pommel is a bit odd for a 17th Century sword, except Hunting swords or hangers. But the guard does display 17th Century bits.

[Glen A Cleeton]

More likely mid 18th century. George Neumann lists an almost identical shell guard (no. 40.s) in Swords and Blades of the American Revolution. the blade is actually more like the following example (no. 41.s) and the grip/pommel combination would fit that time frame as well. Both the precedeing are listed as German. No. 40 also has a thumb ring but has a 29" curved blade. 41 has a straight single edged blade of 30" with a sililar but much fancier shell guard. I'll put up a picture of the page later mebbe unless someone beats me to it.

Here is a sabre with similar stocky construction and the cap and strap type pommel dealio. Also likely mid 18th century German manufacture.

Cheers

GC

[Glen A Cleeton]

Note that the ringer is actually a dated blade but that can happen at any time. The other included for the blade form and shell guard, then add a somewhat typical mid 18th century grip/backstrap and pommel (cap), the result would be much as pictured in the lead posts.

Now bear in mind that Neumann does have some detractors on some subjects but he wasn't just making it all up as he went along. Most of the book reflects endless research and collaboration with other collectors and the guy is still at it. Definitely a book to own. I wasn't convinced until I actually saw a copy. Just the scabbard and carriage information makes it a good reference. His knife section does take a lot of flak.

Cheers

GC

[Lafayette C Curtis]

Very interesting. The similarities are quite obvious even at first glance. Thanks a lot for correcting my original (and mistaken) guess!