Antique 18th century Sword Karabela Hungarian Pandur Sabre
Click thumbnails for expanded view.
- Item Not Available
Antique 18th century circa 1750 brass mounted Pandur officer Sword Couttoe Hanger. DETAILS: A solid ebony hilt of characteristic Karabela form retained by three elaborate rivets brass cross-guard with short gadrooned quillons with lobe-shaped tips and brass ferrule with outer guard, cast and chased in low relief in the rococo pattern. A slightly curved single edged blade, double edged toward the point, engraved on each face with a standing figure of Pandur with a sword and gun, and wearing on his head a colpack (Hungarian Hussar-style hat) with the engraved motto above "Vivat Pandur
The Karabela, a sword of Ottoman origin, became highly popular in Poland during the 17th -19th century adopted by Polish nobility, and came to be known to the rest of the world including Turkey, as the national sword of Polish Nobility. In fact, the Turks believed that the sword is of Polish origin, and that the leather was adopted by the Ottomans, this opinion stems from the resemblance of the pommel to the head of the eagle. Many of these swords were made in various types and diversity, locally in Poland, but also in neighboring countries for export to Poland, but also for the local market. Hunting swords with a Karabela hilt were very fashionable during the 18th century, not only amongst Polish nobility, but also amongst the Hungarian and Russian aristocracy.
In 1741, Franz Freiherr von der Trenck raised a corps of Pandurs in Slavonia for service in the War of Austrian Succession. Trenck was commended for his exceptionally successful raids against enemy supply lines and outpost, and he was asked to increase his corps from 1000 to 2600 men; there were as well Russian Pandurs: Regardind to Vlad Gromoboy. During the War of 1736-39 with Turkey, many volunteers from Serbia, Moldavia and Wallachia, entered Russian service when the war ended, most of them wished to stay in Russia, they were suggested either to enlist with the Russian regular army or to settle in the Southern regions of Ukraine. This predetermined the following development of Pandur troops in Russia: some of them became a part of the regular army, others formed a settled military like the Austrian Grenz military. Novaia Serbia had to provide 2 Pandur (Foot) Foot regiments were of 5 Grenadier & 15 Pandur (Musketeer) companies each. They were named 1-st & 2-nd. Later an independent garrison battalion in Novomirgorod was raised. It was of 1 Grenadier & 3 Pandur companies. The Russian Pandur infantry had a uniform and armament like the Austrian Grenz infantry. Since the Pandurs Regiments were in Austria and Russia, many silver mounted luxury officers swords were ordered and custom made in other countries as France or Germany, and the style of these particular swords were similar; it is uncertain whether this particular sword belonged to Russian or Austrian Pandurs.
REFERENCES: "Kardok" by Jozsef Lugosi & Ferenc Temesvari Figure: 150-153.These types of swords were also a very popular weapon of American Colonists of continental European background and were used during the American revolutionary war and carried by the soldiers of the American Revolutionary Army. For similar examples, please see Battle Weapons of the American Revolution by George Neumann. Page335. Swords & Blades of the American Revolution by George Neumann. Page 93.
CONDITION: The one of the quillon was broken and repaired in the ferrule, Cracks in the ebony grip, some minor pitting otherwise in good condition.
MEASUREMENTS: The overall length of the sword is 55.7cm (21 3/4 in).
Shipping:Negotiated with Seller
- Reference #
- Militaria & Weapons
- Type / Pattern
- 18th century
- Width: 0 inch
- Height: 0 inch
- Depth: 0 inch
- Weight: 0 pound