251154 - Ethiopian Imperial Cavalry Sabre in Scabbard - Ethiopia

Original 19th Century Rare Antique Ethiopian Gurade Saber in Scabbard - Ethiopia
The sword is 104 cm long.
This Ethiopian saber is dated end 19th century and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Rare Antique Ethiopian Gurade Saber – Masterpiece from Haile Selassie's Imperial Era with Sacred Ge'ez Inscriptions, topped by the Lion of Judah pommel, late 19th century. A symbol of Abyssinian courage and Orthodox faith, circa 1880-1900. This exceptional Gurade saber (also known as Gorade) represents the pinnacle of 19th-century Ethiopian edged weapons, evolving from the iconic Shotel—the crescent-shaped sword of the medieval Shotelai elite—to a more versatile cavalry-style saber adapted for mounted combat and Imperial Guard service. Introduced in the mid-19th century amid growing trade with Europe, the Gurade features a slightly curved, single-edged blade, ideal for wounding enemies while simultaneously bypassing shields. The blade embodies Ethiopia's unyielding resistance to colonial incursions, particularly during 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 tell stories of faith, monarchy, and martial arts.

What elevates this Gurade to true collector status is its extraordinary personalization with sacred and royal motifs, etched with the reverence of Ethiopian Orthodox artisans. The front and back of the blade are adorned with elaborate silver-inlaid (niello-style) decorations, featuring floral arabesques, mythical animals, and armor—traits of blades imported from Solingen or locally forged in workshops in Addis Ababa. Vivid vignettes are central to the design, dating back to King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. These are flanked by flowing strips of Ge'ez script—the ancient Ethiopian abugida, a syllabary originating in the 4th century AD from South Arabian roots 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 gravity, possibly alluding to prayers, royal dedications, or warrior oaths such as "In the name of the Trinity" or "Victory through the Cross."

These elements confirm not only the age but also the cultural significance—a knife that may have graced parades, duels, or the front lines of Ethiopia's triumphant battle against Italian invaders.