THE HUSSAR SABER RENDITION PROJECT
FOR MATTHEW GMK
 

 
LARGE SIZE RENDITION (1024 X 782 pixels)

This is the finished saber rendition in two different options one without and one with shadows. In all of the elements involved there are a relation of theme. In my opinion it is this continuity of elements in the hilt thumb ring support element, which is repeated both in the scabbard mouth and at the other end that provides a link to the entire ensemble as something that can make some sense. On purpose I have not placed measurements as these can be found below in traditional ancient scanned drawings. My role is a mere re-interpretation of some elements.

Measurements based on existing saber. Fig. 5

In the end I think I would prefer the blade without a blood groove. I tried to correct all the previous mistakes including the flaring of the thumb ring. Should be 2 cm wide.

Here you will see a reinforced solution for the thumb ring if needed. This solutions ensures absolute immobilization of the thumb ring and can be done in a steel that is finished in a different way, brushed, polished or etched.

The thumb ring is here seen in all positions, mainly with the blade up. There it shows that the wider space corresponds to the placement of the thumb, giving it full support. The flared shape is of paramount aesthetical importance because it is an interplay with the rest of the elements.
Whether it is placed at that level or a bit lower is not relevant.

I think Fig. 3 shows the correct dimensions. I kept the drawing of the scabbard to black and white for maximum visibility.
I personally devised a way to avoid the round cross type which hurts my personal aesthetics and is not exclusive of a Polish saber. See the image on the right to see what I mean. There are some sabers like Tulwar that carry the same type of rounded cross. I wanted to establish a strong identity to a contemporary Hussar Saber while keeping the heritage in the shape of the saber than in the decorative round cross which I collected a few below.

 

Indian

Indo Persian

Turkish

 

   

I devised the scabbard mouth to be like the one in the right, but in a much more contemporary geometric aesthetics, which in the end means another stage of the evolution of the Hussar Saber into the 21st. century, yet keeping a link to its own tradition and past. Contrary to the scabbard on the right, the one on the left has just enough continuity of the shape inside and a wider rim on the scabbard's mouth to provide for muted elegance and dialogue between parts of the sword.
As a man obsessed with aesthetics, I think the silver wire would add a touch, just a touch of what would be a fine formal (of form) relationship between the different areas, but that is not my choice.

I will not interfere with curvature, section, length and so on, although I have personally left a little section design of the blade as I don't think that a beveled edge can be as efficient as the hira-zukuri type of hybrid cross section in this case.

   

Click for enlarged view
The design of this Hussar saber capitalizes from the information provided to me at my request by Matthew and shown below. The design is, therefore a combination of diverse elements that were provided to me and my own interpretation of them. I seldom like to copy but design is not necessarily "invention" of idiotic forms but rather a re-combination of them.
Considering that the saber originated in China, and the Mongols brought it to Europe, I am most inclined that the blade section may have two grooves at the spine but am much more inclined on a meaty hira-zukuri section which would definitely return the blade to its origins, therefore hybridation being accomplished the other way round.
The blade aspect is something to ponder. Whatever oils and stains can be soaked into the blade to produce an antique texture similar to Fig.1 blade finished with a sheen rather than a shine would be wonderful.

Somehow the top half of the front view of my rendition reminds me of the head of a snake, something that will be barely noticeable. Another thing I added was an oval section below the guard and over a small part of the blade, where the thumb ring rests. I think I wanted to harness the  blade and give it a continuity dialogue with the guard and the handle by this piece which serves also as support for the thumb ring.

I will not interfere with measurements, and if those on Fig.5 and Fig.6 are enough, that is fine with me. One must know the limits of one's knowledge and mine are limited in the Hussar saber.

I have added a top button which could provide for a ring where a leather chord could be attached to the wrist or the neck or even a tassel.

The scabbard will follow if the guard design is approved. I also added a <> shape more elaborated, in the center of the black leather scabbard tied with silver wire.

 

FIG.1 Tatarska blade steel. Oil stained?

FIG.2

FIG.3

FIG.4

FIG.5

FIG.6

I'm personally not in favor of these mountings for the tinkerbella

The Tinkerbella as it is

I fully agree with this suggested mountings but would not go into such big details as the finger-slots in the leather bound handle. The Pommel is beautiful as well as the curved handle. I dislike the fleur-de-lis guard ends. Should remain simple as in the original. I would suggest a black leather scabbard with a wide flat end like the one below. The finish of the handle makes more sense like the one below.