Rare Antique Ethiopian Gurade Saber – Imperial-Era Masterpiece with Sacred Ge'ez Inscriptions, Circa Late 19th Century
For Sale: Authentic Ethiopian Gurade Saber – A Symbol of Abyssinian Valor and Orthodox Faith, c. 1880–1900
Transport yourself to the rugged highlands of Ethiopia during the reign of Emperor Menelik II, where warriors wielded blades that blended ancient African craftsmanship with European influences to defend the Lion of Judah's realm. This exceptional Gurade saber (also known as Gorade) represents the pinnacle of 19th-century Ethiopian edged weaponry, evolving from the iconic Shotel – the sickle-shaped sword of medieval shotelai elites – into a more versatile cavalry-style sabre adapted for mounted combat and imperial guard service. Introduced in the mid-1800s amid growing trade with Europe, the Gurade features a gently curved, single-edged blade ideal for slashing foes while bypassing shields, embodying Ethiopia's unyielding resistance against colonial incursions, most famously at the Battle of Adwa in 1896. Crafted for nobility or high-ranking officers, this saber is a rare survivor of that golden age, its intricate engravings whispering tales of faith, monarchy, and martial prowess.
What elevates this Gurade to collector's status is its extraordinary personalization through sacred and royal motifs, etched with the reverence of Ethiopian Orthodox artisans. The blade's obverse and reverse sides are alive with elaborate silver-inlaid (niello-style) decorations, showcasing floral arabesques, mythical beasts, and panoplies of arms – hallmarks of Solingen-imported or locally forged blades customized in Addis Ababa workshops. Central to the design are vivid vignettes: St. George slaying the dragon (a potent symbol of divine protection and Ethiopia's Christian heritage, often invoked in royal iconography) and a crowned lion rampant (the emblem of the Solomonic dynasty, representing Emperor Menelik II's lineage tracing back to King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba). Flanking these are flowing bands of Ge'ez script – the ancient Ethiopic abugida, a syllabary derived from South Arabian roots in the 4th century AD and still used in Ethiopian liturgy. This script, divinely attributed in Orthodox tradition to the scribe Enos (grandson of Adam), adds a layer of spiritual gravitas, possibly invoking prayers, royal dedications, or warrior oaths like "In the name of the Trinity" or "Victory through the Cross."
Further authentication comes from the ricasso markings: boldly stamped "G.C." (likely denoting "G.C. Inspection" or a royal cypher from Gondar/Goje armories, common on imperial-issue weapons) alongside "1890," pinpointing this to the late Menelik era just before his modernizing reforms flooded Ethiopia with European arms. The "G.C." motif echoes trade stamps seen on high-quality Gurades, ensuring provenance from verified workshops that supplied the Emperor's elite Cheka (imperial guard). These elements confirm not just age but cultural significance – a blade that may have graced parades, duels, or the front lines of Ethiopia's triumphant stand against Italian invaders.
Key Features and Condition:
Blade: Approximately 34–36 inches long, with a pronounced curve (broader at the tip for hooking maneuvers) and a broad fuller for lightness and balance. High-carbon steel shows authentic battle patina, light pitting, and graying from age, but remains sharp and un-nicked. Extensively etched on both sides with silvered floral scrolls, heraldic lions, St. George in combat, crossed swords/trophies, and Ge'ez inscriptions (transliterated examples include potential Amharic/Ge'ez phrases like "Menelik" or "St. George" based on comparable pieces). Ricasso proudly bears "G.C." and "1890" stamps.
Hilt: Classic double "T"-guard in forged iron/brass alloy, offering superior hand protection for shield-and-saber duels. Ribbed ebony or dark horn grip (three-segment construction for ergonomic hold), topped with a domed brass pommel cap engraved in traditional Ethiopian crosshatch patterns – a nod to Coptic symbolism.
Scabbard: Original russet leather field scabbard, tooled with intricate geometric and floral embossing (including interlocking crosses and vine motifs), evoking ancient Aksumite artistry. Brass throat and chape fittings with hanging rings; shows expected craquelure and stitching wear but fully intact and stable. No dents or major losses.
Overall Dimensions: Total length ~40 inches; weighs ~2.5 lbs, perfectly balanced for both foot and horseback use.
Provenance: Likely an officer's or noble's piece from Menelik II's era, sourced from Ethiopian highland collections. Comparable Gurades with Ge'ez and "G.C." markings .