75. Cuman (Kipchak) Sword, Eastern European type, circa 1300, very rare, museum piece

Swords of this type have a special relevance in Eastern European history, including for the Romanian area. Until the beginning of the 14th century, there existed a Cuman state formation known as Black Cumania in the curve of the Carpathians, whose leaders were Christians and hence had their own bishopric, Milcov. The Cuman influence was also very important in the southern part of the Carpathians, significantly contributing to the formation of the medieval state Wallachia under the first Basarabs, the name itself being of Cuman origin. A piece very hard to find, a must-have in the collection of a fan of Romanian medieval history. The iron blade, slightly curved, about 12 mm wide, the edge on the belly and the tip with two edges, a little more sharply curved. Handle set towards the outside (towards the belly), on the face a channel with two holes for rivets; small piece of the end broken off. The upper part of the blade is provided with a reinforcement of a strip of iron about 18 mm, characteristic for the swords of the nomadic populations before the 15th century. In addition to its decorative role, this band has the role both of reinforcement, and also that of fixing the guard of the sword between it and the wooden part of the handle. Short guard, about 6.5 cm, slightly curved outwards, with two buttons at the ends. Total length is 86 cm. Minimal signs of corrosion, inevitable over time. Exceptionally well-preserved piece, restored by experts at the highest museum level, with the removal of salts (which would otherwise continue to work over the years despite conservation), mechanically cleaned, and chemically stabilized. Without any added materials. Very rare, especially in this excellent condition.

Dimensions

custom l=85 cm

Description

steel

PROVENANCE

Private collection from southern Germany, acquired from the German antiquities market, from an auction house in Munich.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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