Kaskara with 'enigmatic' marking

Pieje · Today, 02:44 PM

Hi, I just found a Kaskara with the enigmatic marking from Briggs 1965.
The marking is present on both sides, no other stamps visible.
Plain mountings, I guess late 19th, early 20th C.
Blade however seems older.

A different text on both sides of the blade. I guess Quran verses, but probably also a date or reference to someone or something.

Any help is appreciated.

Jim McDougall · Today, 04:47 PM

It is always exciting to see 'kaskaras' brought in here!!! and very nice example with old blade and of course the commonly seen remounting as per the generational upkeep of these older blades. It is always hard to determine the vintage of these scabbards and grips, but the guard and pommel seem early 20th.

Getting of course to the blade, it is unusual to see the panel in Islamic script, which if I recall correctly relate to the 'Lohr' panels on devotional items in the Muslim Faith, but I am not well versed enough to elaborate.

The ENIGMA marking, as we have termed this perplexing mark which has daunted us for it seems decades trying to figure out what it meant, has I think been pretty much resolved. While Briggs seems to have thought it to be some sort of imitation of some European markings, I think Ed (Edster) was on track regarding it as a symbol used in either Sufi parlance or associated with the Senussi Brotherhood, both well placed in these regions well across North Africa.

The most remarkable observation brought which seemed so obvious but yet untendered, was by Oliver Pinchot ("On the Persian Shamshir and the Mark of Assad Allah", 2001) .......on 2/15/25, noting the 'enigma' appeared to be a stylized version of an Ottoman TUGHRA.

Considering of course the Ottoman suzerainty across the North African litttoral, this seems a most likely solution.

While the marking, as noted by Briggs, was seen on the blades of some notable Tuareg chiefs during the Kaocen Rebellion in 1916-17 against the French occupiers, it does seem the marking was known in these regions as early as 1870s (Gabus, 1958).

Jim McDougall · Today, 05:34 PM

Pertaining to the comments in my previous post and the 'Lohr' panel,

I wanted to explain more on my suggestion, and as noted, wanted to look further into these kinds of inscriptions which are enclosed in a 'panel' of sorts. I found that the proper term is 'Loh' (Loh e Qurani) and literally loh means tablet.
Apparently these have letters (rumooz) which are the first letters of Surahs in the Holy Quran, if I understand correctly, and in this sense may serve as a blessing or in that manner.
It would seem that a blade with such inscription would be intended to an important figure in the tribal society in Sudan.

That is my speculation based on what I have found so far, and I would look forward to any erudition from those better versed in these religious matters and these kinds of inscriptions.

Some time back we did research on the thuluth calligraphy well known on blades of various weapons during the Mahdiyya and while the repetitive characters were once regarded as decorative, it seems these were actual phrases from Quranic verses along with other invocations.

Regarding the enigma marking......those are found also on Solingen blades with the standing knight figure (Weyersburg) which were well circulated through the Sudan.

Edster · Today, 06:08 PM

Jim,

You seem to have very well covered the current view of this symbol.Since it has been engraved with consistent design on select blades, I suggest that it was purposely done for certain individuals in a rather technically sophisticated environment. How about they were members of an Ottoman Islamic Freemason Lodge and this was their symbol that signified their membership to each other? This also ties in with Oliver's tughra reference. Yes, Freemasons did exist in the Ottoman world in Mid-Late 19th C.. See below from Yahoo AI.

Ottoman Islamic Freemasonry emerged in the 19th century, growing from foreign lodges to include Muslim intellectuals, bureaucrats, and notables, becoming deeply intertwined with reform movements like the Young Turks, promoting Enlightenment ideals, constitutionalism, and secularism, though it faced early prohibitions and later conspiracy theories, with key figures like Sultan Murad V and Young Turk leaders participating, balancing Islamic traditions with Western liberal thought within a complex political landscape.
Key Aspects
Introduction & Growth: Freemasonry arrived in the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century, initially dominated by non-Muslims, but later expanded to include Muslims, especially after being legalized during the Tanzimat era reforms.
Political Significance: Lodges became hubs for reformist ideas, influencing the Young Turks and Young Ottomans, playing roles in drafting the 1876 Constitution, and supporting movements against Sultan Abdülhamid II's autocracy.
Notable Members: Key figures included Sultan Murad V (the only Ottoman Sultan to join), Young Turk leaders like Talat Bey, and intellectuals such as Jamal al-Din al-Afghani and Muhammad Abduh in Egypt.
Ideals & Conflicts: Masons promoted Western Enlightenment ideals (progress, secularism, justice) but faced challenges reconciling these with traditional Islamic beliefs, especially concerning God and rituals.
Divisions: A major split occurred when French Freemasonry dropped the requirement for belief in a "Great Architect," alienating many Muslim Masons who valued monotheism, leading to distinct "regular" and "irregular" paths.
Conspiracy Theories: Freemasonry became a target for conservative circles, fueling conspiracy theories about Jewish-Masonic plots, ideas that persisted even after the Ottoman era.
Key Organizations & Periods
Early Lodges: Often under French or British jurisdiction, serving as meeting grounds for diverse elites.
First Turkish Grand Lodge: Established in 1856 after legalization, growing in influence.
Young Turk Era (c. 1875-1908): A period of significant Masonic activity, with lodges providing safe havens and networks for reformers in places like Salonica (Thessaloniki).

Best,
Ed

Jim McDougall · Today, 10:26 PM

I think thats an excellent suggestion Ed! It makes sense that something as relatively consistent as this kind of a stylized Tughra might will fall into these kinds of organized groups with religious and fraternal denominators.

Freemasonry seems to be a familiar 'X-factor' in many situations historically and in often complex situations, and I dont think that its presence in Islamic circumstances is well known let alone reasonably understood. I certainly had not thought of that.

The Sufi and Senussi situations are hard enough to grasp for those outside the Islamic sphere. I knew of course of Masonic factors which complicated situations in Europe during conflicts and wars, especially with France and England, but had not thought of in the colonial sphere in North Africa.

It would take a lot of very deep research to discover this curious device as applied in these Masonic contexts, perhaps other items of regalia or material culture bearing it? In this case it seems like a symbol strictly occurring on sword blades, so far.

Today, 02:44 PM	#1
Pieje Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Belgium Posts: 133	Kaskara with 'enigmatic' marking Hi, I just found a Kaskara with the enigmatic marking from Briggs 1965. The marking is present on both sides, no other stamps visible. Plain mountings, I guess late 19th, early 20th C. Blade however seems older. A different text on both sides of the blade. I guess Quran verses, but probably also a date or reference to someone or something. Any help is appreciated. Attached Images

Today, 04:47 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,769	It is always exciting to see 'kaskaras' brought in here!!! and very nice example with old blade and of course the commonly seen remounting as per the generational upkeep of these older blades. It is always hard to determine the vintage of these scabbards and grips, but the guard and pommel seem early 20th. Getting of course to the blade, it is unusual to see the panel in Islamic script, which if I recall correctly relate to the 'Lohr' panels on devotional items in the Muslim Faith, but I am not well versed enough to elaborate. The ENIGMA marking, as we have termed this perplexing mark which has daunted us for it seems decades trying to figure out what it meant, has I think been pretty much resolved. While Briggs seems to have thought it to be some sort of imitation of some European markings, I think Ed (Edster) was on track regarding it as a symbol used in either Sufi parlance or associated with the Senussi Brotherhood, both well placed in these regions well across North Africa. The most remarkable observation brought which seemed so obvious but yet untendered, was by Oliver Pinchot ("On the Persian Shamshir and the Mark of Assad Allah", 2001) .......on 2/15/25, noting the 'enigma' appeared to be a stylized version of an Ottoman TUGHRA. Considering of course the Ottoman suzerainty across the North African litttoral, this seems a most likely solution. While the marking, as noted by Briggs, was seen on the blades of some notable Tuareg chiefs during the Kaocen Rebellion in 1916-17 against the French occupiers, it does seem the marking was known in these regions as early as 1870s (Gabus, 1958). Attached Images

Today, 05:34 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,769	Addendum Pertaining to the comments in my previous post and the 'Lohr' panel, I wanted to explain more on my suggestion, and as noted, wanted to look further into these kinds of inscriptions which are enclosed in a 'panel' of sorts. I found that the proper term is 'Loh' (Loh e Qurani) and literally loh means tablet. Apparently these have letters (rumooz) which are the first letters of Surahs in the Holy Quran, if I understand correctly, and in this sense may serve as a blessing or in that manner. It would seem that a blade with such inscription would be intended to an important figure in the tribal society in Sudan. That is my speculation based on what I have found so far, and I would look forward to any erudition from those better versed in these religious matters and these kinds of inscriptions. Some time back we did research on the thuluth calligraphy well known on blades of various weapons during the Mahdiyya and while the repetitive characters were once regarded as decorative, it seems these were actual phrases from Quranic verses along with other invocations. Regarding the enigma marking......those are found also on Solingen blades with the standing knight figure (Weyersburg) which were well circulated through the Sudan. Attached Images

Today, 06:08 PM	#4
Edster Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 444	Jim, You seem to have very well covered the current view of this symbol.Since it has been engraved with consistent design on select blades, I suggest that it was purposely done for certain individuals in a rather technically sophisticated environment. How about they were members of an Ottoman Islamic Freemason Lodge and this was their symbol that signified their membership to each other? This also ties in with Oliver's tughra reference. Yes, Freemasons did exist in the Ottoman world in Mid-Late 19th C.. See below from Yahoo AI. Ottoman Islamic Freemasonry emerged in the 19th century, growing from foreign lodges to include Muslim intellectuals, bureaucrats, and notables, becoming deeply intertwined with reform movements like the Young Turks, promoting Enlightenment ideals, constitutionalism, and secularism, though it faced early prohibitions and later conspiracy theories, with key figures like Sultan Murad V and Young Turk leaders participating, balancing Islamic traditions with Western liberal thought within a complex political landscape. Key Aspects Introduction & Growth: Freemasonry arrived in the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century, initially dominated by non-Muslims, but later expanded to include Muslims, especially after being legalized during the Tanzimat era reforms. Political Significance: Lodges became hubs for reformist ideas, influencing the Young Turks and Young Ottomans, playing roles in drafting the 1876 Constitution, and supporting movements against Sultan Abdülhamid II's autocracy. Notable Members: Key figures included Sultan Murad V (the only Ottoman Sultan to join), Young Turk leaders like Talat Bey, and intellectuals such as Jamal al-Din al-Afghani and Muhammad Abduh in Egypt. Ideals & Conflicts: Masons promoted Western Enlightenment ideals (progress, secularism, justice) but faced challenges reconciling these with traditional Islamic beliefs, especially concerning God and rituals. Divisions: A major split occurred when French Freemasonry dropped the requirement for belief in a "Great Architect," alienating many Muslim Masons who valued monotheism, leading to distinct "regular" and "irregular" paths. Conspiracy Theories: Freemasonry became a target for conservative circles, fueling conspiracy theories about Jewish-Masonic plots, ideas that persisted even after the Ottoman era. Key Organizations & Periods Early Lodges: Often under French or British jurisdiction, serving as meeting grounds for diverse elites. First Turkish Grand Lodge: Established in 1856 after legalization, growing in influence. Young Turk Era (c. 1875-1908): A period of significant Masonic activity, with lodges providing safe havens and networks for reformers in places like Salonica (Thessaloniki). Best, Ed Last edited by Edster; Today at 06:33 PM. Reason: added. tughra reference.

Today, 10:26 PM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,769	I think thats an excellent suggestion Ed! It makes sense that something as relatively consistent as this kind of a stylized Tughra might will fall into these kinds of organized groups with religious and fraternal denominators. Freemasonry seems to be a familiar 'X-factor' in many situations historically and in often complex situations, and I dont think that its presence in Islamic circumstances is well known let alone reasonably understood. I certainly had not thought of that. The Sufi and Senussi situations are hard enough to grasp for those outside the Islamic sphere. I knew of course of Masonic factors which complicated situations in Europe during conflicts and wars, especially with France and England, but had not thought of in the colonial sphere in North Africa. It would take a lot of very deep research to discover this curious device as applied in these Masonic contexts, perhaps other items of regalia or material culture bearing it? In this case it seems like a symbol strictly occurring on sword blades, so far.