05-09-2010, 11:29 PM
From OIP #69, pp. 300-301. I recently stumbled across a photo of what is, if not the same sword, at least one of the same type.
I find several things striking about it. First, it's obviously unrelated to the akinakes more commonly associated with the Achaemenian period. The flanged tang, lunate pommel and lenticular blade look more like a continuation of West Asian swords dating back at least to the Kassites and the Luristan bronzes.
Second, that with a slight reprofiling of the blade and guard, and forgiving the lack of flanges, there is a modern sword that could easily be converted to something similar. I do not currently have tools for doing so -- but if it'd be passably accurate then it's worth considering. Admittedly the lack of flanges is a flaw of a magnitude that wouldn't pass muster at the better reenactment troops, such as exist for the Romans. The other thing is that I don't know of any scabbards associated with this weapon -- the thought briefly crossed my mind that it may be a larger combat version of the dagger worn in other Achaemenian art, but of course the comparison is iffy at best.
I find several things striking about it. First, it's obviously unrelated to the akinakes more commonly associated with the Achaemenian period. The flanged tang, lunate pommel and lenticular blade look more like a continuation of West Asian swords dating back at least to the Kassites and the Luristan bronzes.
Second, that with a slight reprofiling of the blade and guard, and forgiving the lack of flanges, there is a modern sword that could easily be converted to something similar. I do not currently have tools for doing so -- but if it'd be passably accurate then it's worth considering. Admittedly the lack of flanges is a flaw of a magnitude that wouldn't pass muster at the better reenactment troops, such as exist for the Romans. The other thing is that I don't know of any scabbards associated with this weapon -- the thought briefly crossed my mind that it may be a larger combat version of the dagger worn in other Achaemenian art, but of course the comparison is iffy at best.
Dan D'Silva
Far beyond the rising sun
I ride the winds of fate
Prepared to go where my heart belongs,
Back to the past again.
-- Gamma Ray
Well, I'm tough, rough, ready and I'm able
To pick myself up from under this table...
-- Thin Lizzy
Join the Horde! - http://xerxesmillion.blogspot.com/
Far beyond the rising sun
I ride the winds of fate
Prepared to go where my heart belongs,
Back to the past again.
-- Gamma Ray
Well, I'm tough, rough, ready and I'm able
To pick myself up from under this table...
-- Thin Lizzy
Join the Horde! - http://xerxesmillion.blogspot.com/