Hi Iain,
This one is a beauty! and as you have observed, the blade is European, and seems of considerable age, especially with the features seen. It is most interesting that these inscribed markings, especially the very artistically executed couchant lion, are applied in rather awkward position at the fuller terminals. Obviously these are not characteristic of European markings nor decorative themes I can think of. The curious circle with line does of course recall the cross and orb, but does not have the cross, just a line. In most native parlances I can think if, this would seem to be an ecumenical type symbol, much in the way the cross is intended to represent the four cardinal directions.
The lion is far more problematic, and I also could not place where I had seen something similar. Most importantly, the style and artistic detail which is wonderfully detailed I had though perhaps a copied 'heraldic' type lion, but those seem to have distinctive sharp features usually, and not this kind of image. Also, I thought of the Lion of Judah, so important in Abyssinian symbolism, but this is a crowned lion walking, holding sword, so really not applicable. In notes I found concerning Sudan, a lion symbol represents a brave warrior, but it seems invariably rampant in posture.
I thought perhaps the image might have to do regardless, with markings seen on blades known to have been imported, especially in the Red Sea trade prevalent in the 19th c. What I did find was in Bezdek (p.147) which is a circled couchant lion (though facing other direction and more stylized) for C.Lutters & Co. Solingen, 1840-99. I also found on p.154, a walking lion for Carl Spitzer of Solingen from 1863.
Both of these markings however to me suggest the kind of logos or trademarks used by these makers toward the latter part of the 19th when they had become primarily cutlers for tableware, scissors etc. My thoughts were that perhaps these kinds of items coming into trade routes then might have prompted the use of the lion symbolically on a blade, much as with the Lion of Judah and the rampant lion mentioned. What remains a puzzle is from where the model for this carefully inscribed, yet awkwardly placed, lion on the blade might derive.
As yet no answers, but these are thoughts so far.
I think Colin has a compelling suggestion concerning the idea of shackles for these curiously incongruent semi circles on the hilt, and the way they are configured in pairs does call to mind these from the unfortunate trade well known in West Africa in the 19th c. It is also compelling to see the linear circles resembling chains as well.
The repousse silvered metal of the hilt is atypical of the hilts typically seen in these Saharan and West African regions, and also interesting is the 'old style' pommel as well as the characteristically placed studs in place of commonly placed decoration on the guard quillons. I always find these pyramid shaped heads reminiscent of rather ancient nailheads from Roman times, though obviously the form is simple and well known in modern times with tacks etc.
Interesting sword, and seems like a very old European blade which likely entered the Saharan sphere from much earlier times, and the hilt of course one of probably many incarnations for this blade. It remains interesting when the images were inscribed and where.
All the best,
Jim
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