129897_auctions-imperial-2018-arms-and-armor-november/
Lot 309:
Description
The term meaning “splitter” in Greek, a massive weapon. A distinctly Byzantine form of saber displaying unique characteristics: long, exceptionally broad blade, quite thin in cross-section, with a central fuller, and edges tapering gradually yet continuously to the rounded tip (a tip treatment characteristic of Greco-Roman cavalry swords.) Traditionally viewed as a Byzantine borrowing of the nomadic saber, these characteristics reveal that the paramerion is actually a development of the Greco-Roman spatha. Retains its original guard which, by contrast, reflects a distinct Ottoman prototype: of steel with lightly-tapering quillons and triangular langets. Excavated, with remains of the wooden scabbard attached. 12th-13th c. Corroded overall. Overall length 98.3cm. Two 13th c. icons, the first of St. Mercurios, the second of the Archangel Michael, depict quite similar paramerion sabers. Please note that these are not included in this lot. Condition V
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