SOLD Antique 19th century Ethiopian -Abyssinian Imperial guard sword (GURADE) of the Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia (17 August 1844 – 12 December 1913). DETAILS: The hilt of characteristic Ethiopian form formed of the cylindrical horn grip, irregular pommel adorned on the top with 50 Matonas coin from the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie minted in 1923.

A German made extremely long slightly curved single edged steel blade, cut with a broad full-length fuller and a slender fuller along the back-edge

Finely etched on the inner side with floral sprays and panoply of arms and armor and the central panel Inscribed in Amharic “MENELIK” flanked with the symbol of the Ethiopian monarchy ‘Lion of Judah', the ricasso engraved with Ge'ez, script.

On the opposite side, the blade is etched with floral sprays and panoply of arms and armor, the central panel is finely with St George Fighting the Dragon with Amharic inscription and stamped on the ricasso with the trade mark and the initials “G.G”.

The sword is in its original hand stitched leather scabbard beautifully tooled with traditional Ethiopian pattern and fitted with nickel plated chape.

The Quality of this blade is a step above the majority of Ethiopian GURADE swords blades.

This type of the height quality blades were especially made in Germany for the member of the Imperial guard of the Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia and presented as a diplomatic gift to Emperor Menelik II himself or to the nobles of his court.

During the reign of the Emperor Menelik II, (9 March 1889 – 12 December 1913) Ethiopia is known to have had diplomatic relations with the Imperial Germany and Austria.

MEASUREMENTS:

Overall length in the scabbard: 98 cm (38.58 inches)

Overall length without the scabbard: 92cm (36.22 inches).

Length of the blade: 81 cm (31.89 inches)
Condition: The blade is pitted, with abrasion and dents, leather scabbard dry with age wear overall. All of this is an aspect from a used antique combat sword that is over 100 years old combat sword.

REFERENCES: Comparable sword is published in the Thomas Del Mar Catalogue London 29 June 2011 lot 114. Sold for £3120. A photocopy of the pages from the aforementioned references will be provided along with a certificate of authenticity.

SOLD Antique 19th century Ethiopian -Abyssinian Menelik II Imperial guard sword GURADE