Mystery sword - tourist/souvenir piece?

Araña_del_Sol · 16th March 2024, 07:41 PM

Hi all,

I recently obtained a sword I have not been able to place, it has a wide leaf-shaped blade but a constricted "neck" with small spikes near the hilt. There are somewhat faint V-shaped incisions along the center of the blade (hopefully visible in closeup picture). The hilt is wrapped in copper wire and has a fish tail pommel. Overall, the sword is quite heavy and very sharp. Unfortunately my search for a cultural/regional attribution has not turned up any matches, I suspect it might be a ceremonial item or possibly a tourist piece. Any insights on an ID would be greatly appreciated.

Overall length: 58.7 cm (~23 in.)
Blade width: 9.6 cm (~3.8 in.)

- ADS

Sajen · 16th March 2024, 08:40 PM

Looks African! Search here: https://african-weapons.com/gallery?...word-and-knife
Maybe you will find a match!

Regards,
Detlef

Araña_del_Sol · 17th March 2024, 02:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sajen

Looks African! Search here: https://african-weapons.com/gallery?...word-and-knife
Maybe you will find a match!

Regards,
Detlef

Hi Detlef,

Thanks, it does look somewhat similar to the Lele/Lulua sword on pg. 15, but the hilt is odd. I wonder if it is a recent replacement?

- ADS

Sajen · 17th March 2024, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Araña_del_Sol

Hi Detlef,

Thanks, it does look somewhat similar to the Lele/Lulua sword on pg. 15, but the hilt is odd. I wonder if it is a recent replacement?

- ADS

Hi ADS,

I am very unsure about this blade, never have seen something similar before!? I would contact the owner of the site and would ask him if he has seen something similar before.

Regards,
Detlef

Pertinax · 17th March 2024, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sajen

Hi ADS,

I am very unsure about this blade, never have seen something similar before!? I would contact the owner of the site and would ask him if he has seen something similar before.

Regards,
Detlef

Hello ADS

I support Detlef. Pay attention to the copper wire on the handle. It is round and looks like an electrical cable. Old African swords usually have rough, hammered brass.

Regards, Yuri

milandro · 17th March 2024, 06:17 PM

It looks like an Central African Luba sword where the hilt has been crudely replaced by a flat hilt wrapped in brass

Tim Simmons · 18th March 2024, 07:26 AM

The decoration on the blade seems to suggest Africa. If a person came across some heavier round copper wire? Why not use it.

16th March 2024, 07:41 PM	#1
Araña_del_Sol Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 46	Mystery sword - tourist/souvenir piece? Hi all, I recently obtained a sword I have not been able to place, it has a wide leaf-shaped blade but a constricted "neck" with small spikes near the hilt. There are somewhat faint V-shaped incisions along the center of the blade (hopefully visible in closeup picture). The hilt is wrapped in copper wire and has a fish tail pommel. Overall, the sword is quite heavy and very sharp. Unfortunately my search for a cultural/regional attribution has not turned up any matches, I suspect it might be a ceremonial item or possibly a tourist piece. Any insights on an ID would be greatly appreciated. Overall length: 58.7 cm (~23 in.) Blade width: 9.6 cm (~3.8 in.) - ADS Attached Images

16th March 2024, 08:40 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,769	Looks African! Search here: https://african-weapons.com/gallery?...word-and-knife Maybe you will find a match! Regards, Detlef

17th March 2024, 06:17 PM	#6
milandro Member Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: Netherlands Posts: 474	It looks like an Central African Luba sword where the hilt has been crudely replaced by a flat hilt wrapped in brass

18th March 2024, 07:26 AM	#7
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,806	The decoration on the blade seems to suggest Africa. If a person came across some heavier round copper wire? Why not use it.