Honest Kaskara to share.

drac2k · 17th June 2019, 08:55 PM

I think that this is an honest older Kaskara sword that is a little bit unusual in that it is not of the flat wide blade type, but more of a stout "European type," cavalry sword blade (even though I think that it may have been locally produced). The blade measures approx. 35" long, and at the base 3/8" on the spine and 1 3/8" wide.
In regards to the obvious need for a repair to the covering of the handle and the drag of the scabbard, I have found that on e$ay they have scraps of lizard and crocodile that are very reasonable. Would a repair using these materials detract substantially from the weapons historical value? I think I can manage to make the work look crude enough to be a field repair.

Jim McDougall · 17th June 2019, 09:51 PM

I always appreciate a good kaskara! and it would be very kind of you to bring this to more aesthetic status. This is not of 'great antiquity' and they do not carry high values basically unless with notable provenance. This appears Kasallawi, of the typical Hadendoa form within last 50 years likely.
Still they are significant ethnographically as tribesmen still have them for personal purposes such as wear as traditional events etc.

I prefer weapons to remain static as much as possible, but stabilizing corrosion and repairing noticeable damage is a reasonable approach.

drac2k · 17th June 2019, 10:15 PM

Thanks for your input Jim, as I have noticed from previous threads, you appear to be very knowledgeable about these swords(as well as a great many other things), so I was hoping you would comment. Maybe I will leave it "as is," since I am more inclined to agree with this approach.

Jim McDougall · 17th June 2019, 10:32 PM

My pleasure Drac, and thanks for the kind words!
Even left as is, it would make a great display along with a framed pic of Sudanese scenes, even those of the campaigns there in 1890s. Those times and memories of the Mahdi are still very vivid there in Sudan, so carry even into present times.
I recall years ago talking with a young man from Darfur, who told me that sa'if (they do not call them kaskara) are still well known there, and that his father always had one hanging on their wall.

Kubur · 17th June 2019, 10:33 PM

Very nice European blade
I agree with Jim leave it as it is or just consolidate with wire around the languet
but don't put crocodile... or just brown leather as it was originaly...

TVV · 17th June 2019, 11:26 PM

It would be nice to get better pictures of the blade. If this was originally a single edged blade, that had its back ground and sharpened to modify it into a broadsword according to the traditional taste in Sudan, then to me that would indicate an imported blade, modified locally.

ariel · 18th June 2019, 12:38 AM

Drac,

Go to Classics and check the most recent entries ( the lowest): splendid topics on Kaskara .

17th June 2019, 08:55 PM	#1
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	Honest Kaskara to share. I think that this is an honest older Kaskara sword that is a little bit unusual in that it is not of the flat wide blade type, but more of a stout "European type," cavalry sword blade (even though I think that it may have been locally produced). The blade measures approx. 35" long, and at the base 3/8" on the spine and 1 3/8" wide. In regards to the obvious need for a repair to the covering of the handle and the drag of the scabbard, I have found that on e$ay they have scraps of lizard and crocodile that are very reasonable. Would a repair using these materials detract substantially from the weapons historical value? I think I can manage to make the work look crude enough to be a field repair. Attached Images

17th June 2019, 09:51 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,944	I always appreciate a good kaskara! and it would be very kind of you to bring this to more aesthetic status. This is not of 'great antiquity' and they do not carry high values basically unless with notable provenance. This appears Kasallawi, of the typical Hadendoa form within last 50 years likely. Still they are significant ethnographically as tribesmen still have them for personal purposes such as wear as traditional events etc. I prefer weapons to remain static as much as possible, but stabilizing corrosion and repairing noticeable damage is a reasonable approach.

17th June 2019, 10:15 PM	#3
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	Thanks for your input Jim, as I have noticed from previous threads, you appear to be very knowledgeable about these swords(as well as a great many other things), so I was hoping you would comment. Maybe I will leave it "as is," since I am more inclined to agree with this approach.

17th June 2019, 10:32 PM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,944	My pleasure Drac, and thanks for the kind words! Even left as is, it would make a great display along with a framed pic of Sudanese scenes, even those of the campaigns there in 1890s. Those times and memories of the Mahdi are still very vivid there in Sudan, so carry even into present times. I recall years ago talking with a young man from Darfur, who told me that sa'if (they do not call them kaskara) are still well known there, and that his father always had one hanging on their wall.

17th June 2019, 10:33 PM	#5
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	Very nice European blade I agree with Jim leave it as it is or just consolidate with wire around the languet but don't put crocodile... or just brown leather as it was originaly...

17th June 2019, 11:26 PM	#6
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,621	It would be nice to get better pictures of the blade. If this was originally a single edged blade, that had its back ground and sharpened to modify it into a broadsword according to the traditional taste in Sudan, then to me that would indicate an imported blade, modified locally.

18th June 2019, 12:38 AM	#7
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Drac, Go to Classics and check the most recent entries ( the lowest): splendid topics on Kaskara .