I found this while browsing some antiques sites and thought eveyrone might find it interesting.

http://www.joesalter.com/detail.php?f_qryitem=11566

A very strange hilt to be sure, I have never seen anything like it.

To me the hilt looks very "art deco"ish for being a very briquet like looking sword. I have to say I like it.

Eeeeenteresting.

Apparently something that was serial produced, but I've never seen anything like it before.

I love this one and had dubbed it my mind as Spaceship Ruthy. The deco/spaceship look is not a common one. Although I have not found it in books, one authority on the genre of hangers and short swords of German make thinks this one was likely very much described by Joe Salter as probably meant for the South American market (although one can't discount the Netherlands, Belgium and others). Likely a police sword of one nation or another.

Salter tends to price at a premium on his site and although I had been told straight out once that he won't bargain, I have watched the same representative at another show cut a deal over the phone. That, though was a mid four figure priced sword.

As far as service from the sales itself, it has been exemplary, as they had even taken a sword I was interested in to the Hartford show, where I was to pick it up. It wasn't there the second day (Joe was off to another auction), so I ended up paying for shipping the day after I was at the show.

At any rate, an interesting sword but pricy for what it is. I wish there was an open shop for his wares, as it would be neat (and conveniently located) to visit and browse. There is a quite nice beaded spadroon on the list as of late and not really unreasonable at the price. A shame about the etching damage though, one I'd actually like to own despite that.

Cheers

GC