A strange sabre or an odd duck?
Hello,

Obviously I have so soft spot for strange things! :D

Today I have a very strange weapon to discuss about!
Please understand this description as expression of my opinion.

Of course, this sword is a so – called “marriage”. Described as “italian storta, 17th Century”.
Very short, complete 69cm/27,2 inches.

The blade is shortened and from a sabre, may be Italy. Assumedly 17th century. You can see the marks. They are on both sides. There is a clear loss of material. You can see how plain the fuller is. Also visible ( and I hope also on photo): knit lines.

The cross-guard is quite strange and probably new (how new, I do not know). First impression was, that the typical S-Form, we surely all know, was bent. Altough I asked myself, could that be possible? Now, I think it is “new”.

Casually: Some people told me, the cross-guard is fit to protect hand while fighting ??? To that item, please opinions from “sword-fighters”. I would be glad.

The most important reason for posting is the hollow grip in form of a strange bird.
It is made from two halves out of iron. The eyes are soldering with brass and copper.

Mainly there are three perculiarties:

First: the making of grip
Second: the look of the bird.
Third: it was opened. The tang is fixed with a conductor!

So when I look on the grip I think, it is old. But how old? And where is it from?

So I am looking for comparism and information.
My question to all unprejudiced, interesting people:

Who has seen a grip like that? In a museum, in a private collection or on a painting?

What are your ideas and opinions?


Many greetings


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Komplett.jpg

Hello again,

here is another photo from the grip!


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Griff.jpg

.... and last ones!


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Griffand.jpg


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Oben.jpg


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Marke.jpg

Take a look at the following links:

http://www.czernys.com/auctions_lot.php?oggetto=26777&asta=22
http://www.earmi.it/armi/glossario/glossario27.htm
http://www.hermann-historica.de/auktion/hhm51...at51_p.txt
http://www.hermann-historica.de/auktion/hhm49...at49_A.txt
http://www.flg.es/HTML/Obras_7/Alfanje_7376.htm
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfanje


Czernys has had a half dozen or so of these for sale over the last several years.

Do you have any further pics or information about your Storta to share?


Danny
If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck and looks like a duck... Then I'm afraid I haven't got a clue.
Hello Danny,

much thanks for your posting!!!!

The second link you give, is a really hint! I have doubts about the dating, but it is worth to research, merci again.

Incidentally the link http://www.earmi.it/armi/glossario/glossario27.htm shows one of the most famous stylets from 17th century. It is that in the middle, made by Carlo Botarelli (Lionello G. Boccia “armi bianche italiane). Great, or?
.

Sam, I am afraid it does not walk or quack like a duck, but like a goose! :lol:

Many greetings
Here are a few more examples, from Czernys. Unfortunately the online catalogues are no longer available to view.

http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t...ght=storta
http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t...ght=storta

Danny
Hello Danny,

Thanks to you a second time!

Apparently there is nothing which is not to find on myArmoury.com! Great!

Second link affords an enlightening photo to me. Obviously these storte are Italian types. So I am looking for examples in museums and literature about it.

At least, I am asking myself: what is that for a bird?

Wolfgang Armbrust wrote the 2th June 2006 "The pommel reminds me of late Roman eagle head pommels on spathas."

Of course, all birds have awry beaks like birds of prey...

kind regards

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