Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Jim McDougall · 14th February 2025, 08:57 PM

Excellent reference GP, what is it from?
As noted it cites Buttin (1933) and Robert Hales, who was a more current authority on these arms. By this time the nimcha term was circulating among collectors, among the countless 'collectors' terms that had become emblazoned on many weapon forms as classifications aligned often with certain areas.

The 'turtle' feature on the pommel cap which seems aligned with 'Zanzibar' types of the 'nimcha' was something brought to attention by Peter Hudson in posts here some years ago. It seems that stylized turtle element may be associated with local lore in Zanzibari culture which he noted in his research concerning the Omani Sultanate there. He had become familiar with the Omani aspects of Zanzibar in research while he was situated in Oman.

The blade on the original post example appears to be early 19th century European light cavalry saber (probably Solingen) which has the wide distal area with radius to 'hatchet' point. The 'nimcha' misnomer seems to have derived from unclear etymology presumed Arabic or Persian which means 'small sword' (loosely). I do not recall the details from Elgood's book of Arabian arms. Clearly the term does not properly apply to most of these which characteristically have full length sword blades, almost invariably from European trade blades.

VERY nice example in original post, and I personally like the dark, rugged look as is, and outstanding cavalry blade.

14th February 2025, 08:57 PM	#8
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,100	Excellent reference GP, what is it from? As noted it cites Buttin (1933) and Robert Hales, who was a more current authority on these arms. By this time the nimcha term was circulating among collectors, among the countless 'collectors' terms that had become emblazoned on many weapon forms as classifications aligned often with certain areas. The 'turtle' feature on the pommel cap which seems aligned with 'Zanzibar' types of the 'nimcha' was something brought to attention by Peter Hudson in posts here some years ago. It seems that stylized turtle element may be associated with local lore in Zanzibari culture which he noted in his research concerning the Omani Sultanate there. He had become familiar with the Omani aspects of Zanzibar in research while he was situated in Oman. The blade on the original post example appears to be early 19th century European light cavalry saber (probably Solingen) which has the wide distal area with radius to 'hatchet' point. The 'nimcha' misnomer seems to have derived from unclear etymology presumed Arabic or Persian which means 'small sword' (loosely). I do not recall the details from Elgood's book of Arabian arms. Clearly the term does not properly apply to most of these which characteristically have full length sword blades, almost invariably from European trade blades. VERY nice example in original post, and I personally like the dark, rugged look as is, and outstanding cavalry blade. Last edited by Jim McDougall; 14th February 2025 at 09:10 PM.