Most interesting tag on this item.
I am in complete accord with the African assessments. These type hilts are typical of West African type often associated with Sierra Leone, and they certainly diffused well into interior to the east with trade. They seem mid 19th century to later as a rule, but as with most native weapons, often refurbished many times as either traded or handed down.
The blade is yet another example of reprofiled British M1796 light cavalry blades. These, as surplus, ended up throughout trade centers well into the 19th century, and are often seen on the so called 'Berber' sabres that are now believed from Latin American regions rather than distinctly Moroccan.
All best regards,
Jim
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