An interesting antique composite sword: A 16th Century Bellunese blade on a later Swiss hilt?

[@allengordon6929]

I just love slightly backwards cross guards aesthetically. They still can be used as, well, cross-guards, which more heavily backwards curved guards give up in order to protect the rear of the hand better.

[@Rapiersdelight]

This one's bend is light enough that it may even be caused by damage, though the curve looks consistent to the rest of the hilt. Without knowing what sword it was originally from it's hard to say.

[@allengordon6929]

@@Rapiersdelight maybe it was done intentionally by it's wielder

[@sweetmomalaable]

belluno mentioned!

[@Rapiersdelight]

Avanti così!! It's surprising how such an important center for blade production is not more well known.

[@sweetmomalaable]

@@Rapiersdelight true, well, bellunesi tend to stay closed and keep the past traditions for themselves, maybe that's one of the reasons or maybe it's something else entirely

[@raphlvlogs271]

why is the back quillon leaning backwards towards the user?

[@Rapiersdelight]

I have the feeling that is just damage to the quillon, rather than its original angle, although I can't real;ly say for sure without knowing what sword it was originally a part of.

[@doratheexploder286]

not related to the sword in video, but the 1860 italian cav in your other video. Is it the same sword that is for sale at Boyar? Same maker mark on it at least. Think it`s made for Danish or Swedish military, they used the same model of saber, think all Italian used were marked to S&K.

[@Rapiersdelight]

It definitely looks like the same sword. I don't know much about Danish or Swedish swords, but this is very interesting info I will be looking into, thank you!

[@samparkerSAM]

This sword looks like it was assembled as a composite in the 1900s . The style of the grip looks very modern. Have you seen the Auction in france this month with napoleonic swords?! I will update the comment with the info.

[@Rapiersdelight]

Sorry for the very late reply, I think I missed the auction you were referring to. In any case I agree. The hilt looks very modern compared to the blade, especially the wire on the grip.

[@speakupriseup4549]

What companies sell antique swords like those, I would love to buy an antique but there is virtually nothing in Australia pre 1830's

[@emptyemptiness8372]

That's because Australia is not much older than that and the indigenous people used spears and clubs. Most sword I have seen in Australia for sale at auctions date between the Boar war in South Africa and WW1 campaigns because that's when the military issued the most swords. Australia was a bit late to have a sword culture.

[@Rapiersdelight]

Good question. I do not know of companies in Australia selling antiques, although I know for certain there are collectors, so there must be a way to get them. As far as I know delivery form abroad is possible, although there may be extra costs for importing, and I have heard of swords being rejected by overzealous customs agents, or simply not accepted by international couriers, so it's possible, but may not be super easy. I would suggest joining some FB collector groups and getting in touch with any Australian members, they might be able to give detailed info.

[@WhatIfBrigade]

18:03 Butterflies?

[@Rapiersdelight]

Considering one option is "flies", I wouldn't exclude butterflies as a candidate. :)

[@speakupriseup4549]

Could they be 3 waving flags maybe?

[@Rapiersdelight]

Unlikely, as some of the more clear variations of the mark definitely show it having "legs" so to speak, but who knows... :)

[@jellekastelein7316]

Not sure whether this is accurate but I've heard/read that the Swiss pommels are meant to represent a bear, rather than a dog.

[@Rapiersdelight]

Yes, I actually forgot to mention this possibility in the video. Thank you!

[@WhatIfBrigade]

10:20 A whale.

[@Rapiersdelight]

Yes, it's definitely very similar. Although representations of marine animals at the time were a little unrealistic, that hump on the head is very whale-like.