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Post by Dalin Caulder on Oct 16, 2018 13:40:29 GMT
I'm looking for more information about the Turcael. It is my understanding it is a curved infantry sword (sabre like) with a basket used by some British Regiments in the 19th century. I was hoping to find some historical information on when and where it was used/came from originally.
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Post by Sir Thorfinn on Oct 16, 2018 15:27:32 GMT
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Turcael
Oct 16, 2018 16:00:18 GMT
via mobile
Post by Jordan Williams on Oct 16, 2018 16:00:18 GMT
I never heard of any 19th century connection but have seen it referenced in connection with the 17th/16th century.
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Uhlan
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Posts: 3,121
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Post by Uhlan on Oct 17, 2018 5:29:33 GMT
The female lead in the movie ,, Van Helsink'' uses one. Though the setting of the movie is some kind of Steam Punk version of the 17th century Balkans, acted out in what looks like the 19th century, the turcael itself looks really good. I think Youtube has some videos from the guy who designed and made it. Interesting sabres. Putting one together from KOA hilts and some nice old blade could make a nice project. I have been playing around with the idea. A Scottish hilt on a spare French Artillery blade could be awesome. Super fast.
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JakeH
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Posts: 77
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Post by JakeH on Oct 19, 2018 0:36:31 GMT
I'd largely agree with everyone so far, but here's a few tidbits... Turkael is 'probably' Scots for something like 'in the Turkish style' as curved blades were viewed as 'Turkish' not so much because they thought it was from Turkey specifically, but just generally 'from way over there where things are strange and exotic'. The Gaelic equivalent would be a Claidheamh Crom (sword that is bent/curved -- not because it's Atlantean ) Broadly speaking, it's a curved blade on a baskethilt. They were probably never a standard thing in any regiment or levy, but were a made-to-order personal item for whatever reason moved the owner to desire such a weapon. As it was never standard the term would refer to ANY curved blade so afixed which means a turkael could be anything from grampa's old falchion to a French sabre to a tulwar to, gasp, a katana. Indeed the last was absolutely a 'thing'. Sidebar: if I had ANY influence over the new Highlander movie being made (booo.. there can be only ONE) I'd have Connor look at the dragonhead katana, shake his head, turn it over a few times and the cut to him carrying that blade fixed in a proper hilt for a good highlander. That gives you the 'magic 2000 year old katana' cachet but let's us have a highlander using the right sword. Sadly no one on the production team has asked my opinion as yet. There's one in the Penicuik Sketches, figure 9, Used with a targe. They would be slightly limited in mobility vs. a contemporary sabre due to the close hilt. This point is mentioned in Taylor/Roworth 'Art of the Broadsword' specifically (though in regard to a plain ole broadsword not a turkael specifically). The one carried by Kate Beckinsale in Van Helsing is an interesting 'local' variation on the idea being a schiavona basket on a curved blade rather than a highland one. A pretty little thing. The sword is nice too. Jake
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Turcael
Oct 19, 2018 5:45:47 GMT
via mobile
Post by Jordan Williams on Oct 19, 2018 5:45:47 GMT
Personally I think the sword is much prettier than Beckinsale. I distrust suede boots more than the government.
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Turcael
Oct 19, 2018 5:47:05 GMT
via mobile
Post by Jordan Williams on Oct 19, 2018 5:47:05 GMT
Thanks for the info JakeH. Interesting history.
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JakeH
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Posts: 77
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Post by JakeH on Oct 19, 2018 22:59:48 GMT
Personally I think the sword is much prettier than Beckinsale. I distrust suede boots more than the government. Hah. I can't fault your priorities. Reminds me of my favourite line from the movie "Sword of Doom" "I love my sword more than you!" Jake
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LeMal
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Post by LeMal on Oct 20, 2018 1:32:32 GMT
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