Bishop's dagger/sword?

[Hauptmann]

Posting this for a friend who is a newer member. Someone he knows has it and said he was told it is a Bishops dagger or sword. I'd never heard of such a thing so hoping one of our more learned members in the area of swords may be able to ID/value this one.

They're thinking it dates to around 1000 to 1100.

Far as I know men of the cloth back in the times of swords and such were not permitted to fight with any weapon that could stab someone... only things like clubs, maces, staffs and such. So no idea why such a personage would have a sword/dagger... unless this is just what it's called and it doesn't have anything to do with an actual Bishop.

Again any info deeply appreciated as we're totally and absolutely in the dark on this one.

Dan :cheers:

[Eric Stahlhut]

i dunno, but it looks african to me

[Chris Boonzaier]

i dunno, but it looks african to me

I would guess the same.

Bishop etc would have been a loooooong grasp of the imagination.

[Mervyn Mitton]

The military Bishops of the medieval era and much earlier are well known. The Bishop of Winchester at one time was a formidable swordsman - I think this was at the time of King John - 12th.C.

However, they would have carried the pattern of sword in use at that time - I agree that this does not look European. However, the High Cross is there for a purpose - that would be for holding high over any crowd - be it civilian or, military - and giving a Blessing.

The Country that springs to my mind is Ethiopia - where the Coptic Church is strong. The forging of the blade is of rough workmanship.

Strangely enough it has a fullered blade - perhaps copying a Western sword from the Crusades. All double handed swords had a grip in the shape of a Cross.

[Hauptmann]

Many thanks for the insights on this one. This is really outside my areas of interest and I was at a loss to give him much info on it. He's been having problems logging on but hopefully once he's back on he'll pop on and thank ya'll in person.

I know his friend is wanting to know and I've no idea... but any thoughts on what something like this is worth? I'm assuming not a ton but again it's just not within my bailiwick so no earthly idea.

Dan :cheers:

[Mervyn Mitton]

Dan - a very difficult item to value. There is the problem that it is an African (probably) provenance and the metal is not to a high standard. However,

the carved wooden Cross is another matter. The carving is well done - it is decorated in the wood and obviously, has a religious connection. I think perhaps your friend needs to do some further research - particularly concentrating on Ethiopia and the areas around. Should he be able to prove this then I think the value is quite high.

There is an Ethnographical Museum in London that specialises in things of this type - see if you can look for it's address and send them pictures. Also, why not write to the ArchBishop in Addis Ababa ? Please let me know if you need any help and keep us posted. Mervyn

[thedesertrat1]

I wish to thank everyone for their thoughts and suggestions on this dagger.. I sent a copy of this page to the owner of this dagger, and he is delighted to get some information on his unusual item....Thanks again.......bill

[Mervyn Mitton]

Hello Bill - welcome to the Forum and we will hope that you will become an active member. Please let us know how your friend gets on with his research

- perhaps he could take a few more pictures of the blade and particularly, where it joins the hilt. Best wishes Mervyn