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Edster · 13th June 2013, 11:57 PM

G.W.

Interesting sword. I agree with Jim that it is probably Kassala made and perhaps early 20th Century. However, It has a couple interesting attributes that I don't understand.

I'm not positive that native Kassala blades, or other native blades for that matter, typically had a hole in the tang and were pinned to the wooden handle. I seem to think the wood is wedged into the cross guard for stability. Could be a personal memory thing. I think European blades had a hole in them. (Edit: Kassala smiths put a hole in the tang to pin the blade. Fig. 7, p. 13 of my sword paper shows a photo of two recently finished blades with a hole in the wood.)

Second. As Jim observes the three blade fullers are very common, but as I recall typically only a single fuller was full length. The other two usually stop about a third of the way down. Your blade has all three full length. Could be a native variation. Also, the blade tip looks a little off symmetric. Maybe a re-shape? Could be the lighting of the photo.

Just a couple of observations for others to clarify.

Regards,
Ed

13th June 2013, 11:57 PM	#3
Edster Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 411	G.W. Interesting sword. I agree with Jim that it is probably Kassala made and perhaps early 20th Century. However, It has a couple interesting attributes that I don't understand. I'm not positive that native Kassala blades, or other native blades for that matter, typically had a hole in the tang and were pinned to the wooden handle. I seem to think the wood is wedged into the cross guard for stability. Could be a personal memory thing. I think European blades had a hole in them. (Edit: Kassala smiths put a hole in the tang to pin the blade. Fig. 7, p. 13 of my sword paper shows a photo of two recently finished blades with a hole in the wood.) Second. As Jim observes the three blade fullers are very common, but as I recall typically only a single fuller was full length. The other two usually stop about a third of the way down. Your blade has all three full length. Could be a native variation. Also, the blade tip looks a little off symmetric. Maybe a re-shape? Could be the lighting of the photo. Just a couple of observations for others to clarify. Regards, Ed Last edited by Edster; 14th June 2013 at 02:25 AM.