UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons European Edged Weapons Holy Grail - well ... sort of ...

Since I collect the Polish swords (sabers) I was always looking to find my "Holy Grail" - the "KARABELA" sword.
Finally, few months ago I've managed to find one for sale ... from Germany and here's it!

Some definition of "karabela" sword from Wikipedia:

A karabela was a type of Polish sabre (szabla). Perhaps one of the most famous types of a that type of weapons, it became highly popular in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1670s. According to some scholars the name was coined after the Italian terms caro (expensive) and bello (beautiful).In Turkish, Karabela could be understood as "Black Misfortune", from the Turkish "Kara" meaning black and the Arabic "Bela" meaning misfortune, calamity, trial, curse.
Though the exact etymology remains obscure.

The sabre was modelled after the swords of the Turkish footmen formations of Janissaries and Spahis, which used it in close quarters. Much lighter than the hussar szabla, the karabela had an open hilt with the pommel modelled after an eagle's head. Such a grip allowed for easier handling of circular cuts while fighting on foot, and for swinging cuts from horseback.

Initially, the karabela sabres were used mostly for decoration or as a ceremonial weapon worn on special occasions. Popularized during the reign of King Jan III Sobieski, the sabre became one of the most popular Polish melee weapons. Though in theory the type could be subdivided into ornamental ceremonial type and a simple battle weapon, in reality both more expensive and the cheaper designs were often used in combat. Most of the Polish nobility (szlachta) could afford only one expensive karabela and, in case of need, simply replaced the ebony or ivory-made scabbard with a leather-made one, and removed some of the precious stones from the hilt in order to convert it into a fully-reliable weapon.

From what I know, mine is from the end of XVIII century - apparently Polish because of the eagle-shape pommel and still visible Latin motto on the blade "Pro Patria Et Pro Gloria" - "For fatherland and glory" which was the common motto on the Polish edged weapons.
Just can't figure out the material the grip is made of - seems like the stone or kind of very hard bone.

Here some pics:

closer:

Crossguard:

Scabbard top:

Scabbard ring:

Scabbard tip:

Blade motto:

Hello Walter,
Thanks for the pictures and information on a rare sword....Well done!

Beautiful sword Walter, congradulations.

A friend of mine has many of the early "Hetman" swords in their original cases. I would hate to think of their value.

Again, good find.

Jim

Good work Walter. I'm happy for you. You might also want to check Jim's threat on the Polish dagger currently for sale on Ebay.

Stephane

Beautiful. Congrats Walter.

So yours was made in the 17th century?

Walter,

That's a beauty for sure. Good hunting and congrats on finding your Holy Grail.

I picked up a polish sword some time back and think the grip has been replaced. I have heard some people stating they just don't like the style, but I certainly do, to each there own I guess.

Hi Mikee , remeber nothing was wasted way back then swords where passed down and did have upgrades and repairs. Like Japanese swords the blade is the real value me thinks

Paul

Great sword Walter! Swords are my main area of interest and how I became involved in this hobby in the first place. JohnJ

Thanks Paul,

I'll take pictures later to post. Thanks again

Walter, take some pictures of the whole sword from end to end and of the blade. Thanks, JohnJ

Thanks for the comments!

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So yours was made in the 17th century?

I've been told the sword is from 2nd half of 18th century, the Turkish Ottoman pattern.

quote:

I picked up a polish sword some time back and think the grip has been replaced.

Mikee, could you show some pictures?

quote:

Walter, take some pictures of the whole sword from end to end and of the blade. Thanks, JohnJ

John, sure!
Here some pics of entire sword:

01 - in scabbard

02 - Out of scabbard:

03 - Other side:

Really great sword Walter! JohnJ

Walter,

I'm certainly going to say it again. Very nice, thanks for showing it and good hunting.

Walter,
Okay here it is. Not the stellar sword you have shown, but my one and only Polish sword. The covering on the grip looks like imitation leather. The portepee is heavy medal, the tassels are braided medal. The rope is striped pink. The portepee came w/the sword, so not sure if it's correct. No maker marks on the blade. Thanks.

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Hi Adam,

Sorry it took so long to get these pictures posted for you and sorry for the quality. The grip material has been replaced with imitation leather. Do you think the whole handle and guard was replaced at some point? Thanks

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