Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 152:
A classic form of sword from Ethiopia referred to as a gurade, this curved sword isa well-known style of sword introduced in the 19th century and often mounted with importedEuropean blades. This example in the Schmiedt Collection is of typical form with a handle of classic form with a mirrored flared pommel and crossguard with a tubular cross section, thoughsustaining some damage to the pommel. The scabbard is hardened leather.The blade of this sword is single edged and appears to have the profile of early 19th centuryFrench blades. These blades were traded to Ethiopia, or Abyssinia as it was known during the19th century, or may have been captured during the Napoleonic wars period and traded furthersouth from Egypt. The gurade was a sword used by officers often on horseback and as suchrelatively fewer were made. These swords were used as late as the Battle of Adwa in 1896where the army of Menelik II defeated an Italian invasion force as depicted in a Ethiopianpainting contemporary with the battle and now in the British Museum. The commander of theEthiopian forces, fitaurari (brigadier general) Gabbayyahu, mounted on a dark brown horse, iswearing an honorific lion skin cape and headdress. In his right hand he holds a sword with along, curved gurade with the distinctive Ethiopian handle. Below him is a mounted officercarrying a circular hide shield covered with velvet and silver.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 37" Blade Length : 32 3/4" References:1. Stone, G. C. (1934). A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration, and Use of Arms andArmor in All Countries and in All Times. Mineola NY: Dover Publications.2. Spring, Christopher (1993). African arms and armour. British Museum Press.Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected]
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