A Very Rare Polish Winged Hussars Karabela Sword. 34 ½” overall, 29” curved single edged blade, one narrow fuller ends near the yelman, struck with eyelash armourer's marks. Hilt with iron guard, long quillons and langets engraved with stylized feathers, a thumb ring. Iron stepped flat topped pommel. Wooden grip covered with leather.
Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Mid-17th century.
Bibliography: W. Kwaśniewicz, Szablapolskaod XV do końca XVIII wieku, 1988; A. Nadolski, Polskabroń, brońbiała, ZakładNarodowyim. Ossolińskich, 1974; W. Zabłocki, Szableswiata, 2011; T. Jarnuszkiewicz, Szablawschodniaijejtypynarodowe, 1973.
The Polish Winged Hussars were the pre-eminent cavalry force in Europe from the 1590’s until their disbandment in the 1770’s. Unbeaten in battle for nearly 200 years.