Turkish WW1 Sabre, likely of German origin

J

Jack Furious

Joined
Jun 25, 2011
Messages
13
Hey there guys and maybe even gals or ladies, I'm Sean, and I am obviously a n00b at this.

My girlfriend's mother recently died, and while in the process of cleaning out the old house we ran across what I consider to be an interesting find, regardless of the value. I BELIEVE that it is an Ottoman/Turkish sword, possibly captured from or surrendered by a high ranking officer during the WW1 campaigns in the Middle East. I want it to be naval but I'm not educated enough to know what to look for. Also, I still need to sift through her family history in an attempt to know more, but this is all new to me. It's also exiting and I'm just learning as I go, and this is where I went because I heard you were the vest.

So. My sword I BELIEVE is a Turkish officer's sword. The blade (on side sharp) doesn't have the super-pronounced curve of the more traditional Ottoman weapons and resembles the more modern sabre. Above the hilt on the back of the etched, nickel-plated steel blade are the words "VARHAM TIGIRIAN CONSTANTINOPLE" which I think identifies its maker and point of origin. The blade is etched over 1/2-2/3's of its area and has a fuller on each side. It has an ivory grip with carved grooves adorned with brass wire and a bronze hilt featuring a lion's head pommel from which the knuckle guard pours from it's mouth, fanning out to create a wide, star and crescent-decorated cross guard. It has never been sharpened and despite a few blemishes appears to be in good condition.

There is a nearly identical sword in the Australian War Memorial, the only difference being that the piece in my possession has more of a triangular cross guard. It looks a little like a kite in a steady wind. Here is a link to a picture and description of the Aussie museum piece for comparison:

http://cas.awm.gov.au/item/REL/07203

And here are assorted photos of my sword, some with MUCH higher resolution:

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh20/jackfurious1fan/IMG_0383.jpg

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh20/jackfurious1fan/IMG_0389.jpg

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh20/jackfurious1fan/IMG_0388.jpg

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh20/jackfurious1fan/IMG_0387.jpg

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh20/jackfurious1fan/IMG_0382.jpg

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh20/jackfurious1fan/IMG_0382.jpg

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh20/jackfurious1fan/IMG_0383.jpg

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh20/jackfurious1fan/sword4.jpg

If anyone can steer me toward getting information on the manufacturer, his dates, locations, output, and whether he was contracted my a branch of the military, I would love that. I would love to know where great grand-daddy got it and how, but that's far me to figure out. Anyway, if anyone can help me out, I would be indebted. Age, materials, branch of service, even owner if that's possible, pretty much whatever you guys who know take the time to give me, and an idea of its worth would be great too, I guess to be a show-off, but I can't part with it.

Again, I look forward to digging up the rest of the story and, knowing I can't do it alone, It's a pleasure to share the wonder of it. Sorry for potential/likely grammar and spelling mistakes (I'm rushing) and thank you all again. I will be checking back as soon as I can. Everybody take care, and if you can help me out, I'll gladly buy you a brewskie!

Thank you all,

Sean
 
I suspect Horseclover might be able to give you some insight as well, this sort of thing is more up his alley. I'm sure he'll be along shortly.
 
Actually, this one is beyond the scope of my own knowledge and the sword has been posted to a couple of other boards already. There is the middle eastern section at SFI he could have copied his inquiry to and he might try myArmoury and track down Sa'ar Nudel there. However, considering other internet traffic with the name, maybe not worth the effort. Persistent though ;)

http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/mma.cfm?go=forum.posts&thread=1823845&forum=2&page=1&pc=20

http://www.swordforum.com/forums/sh...elp-me-identify-rare-sword-Ottoman-empire-WW1


http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?101079-Turkish-sabre(-)-Help-needed.

http://www.swordforum.com/forums/sh...-Vahram-Tigrian-and-his-Turkish-military-ties



http://forum.sword-buyers-guide.com/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=5046

Cheers

GC
 
Last edited:
I AM persistent! Thanks for the sword middle eastern section of SFI tip. I have an answer that sounds correct, I'll post it when I track it down. I think that I am responsible for most of the internet traffic :)
 
Including both stories as to how you came into the sword? Winning in a card game vs the family story you are posting elsewhere?

I did see you had posted to myArmoury but that the ebb and flow there fast enough that many go unread.

As for SFI, do note that values are not offered publicly and you might note that in the READ FIRST post in the A&M room.

FWIW, I have been researching some of my own swords for years and truly never expect to find all the answers.

Cheers

GC
 
the card story was to look cool to my mma buddies, despite multiple bannings, i've been around a while. truth: found it cleaning girlfriend's family home for move
 
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