Old Nimcha for Info and to share

JoeCanada42 · 29th January 2021, 05:34 PM

Hello This is a nimcha I acquired a few weeks ago from ebay.
I am curious for opinions on age, size, markings, and region of manufacture
the blade only is a little over 26 inch long, and its 1 inch wide.
what type of horn is the handle?
are those morocan berber markings, on the case? and what about the carvings on the blade?
the balance point is just about the center of the blades decorative carvings.
thanks for looking and sharing any info.

JoeCanada42 · 30th January 2021, 02:03 AM

additional photo

TVV · 2nd February 2021, 07:01 AM

Congratulations on your sword, it is Moroccan from the 19th century. The hilt looks bovine from the pictures.

Kubur · 2nd February 2021, 03:09 PM

If I put a torch behind my ears, I'm a rhino...

JoeCanada42 · 2nd February 2021, 07:28 PM

Thanks TVV, it probably is bovine, would be cool to know which species if possible, I read a little on some other threads, either way its not real rhino,
but, Kubur is right lol

could it be artistic design or just chance that the supposed horn part of the handles form is translucent, and by chance that there is a second horn, maybe the handle shrunk.

either way I really like it , the color and shape, and phenomenon

And the symbols! on the blade, on one side, in the center is a squiggle. wich i think i could have found 1 or 2 interpretations in berber/ amazigh for.
and the symbol on the case is similar to a couple berber symbols also.

JoeCanada42 · 2nd February 2021, 07:38 PM

Could the blade also be locally forged in the Maghreb/ morocco, or an imported blade?
the fullers look wonky...

and the quillon is definitely the most primitive ive seen on a nimcha, gots a cool look though.

JoeCanada42 · 15th February 2021, 05:06 PM

has anyone ever seen one of the nimchas made en mass for the siege of Malta?
this sword seems made more for function than for show like some fancy adorned nimchas.

i also get the interpretation the symbols on this blade , were put there to imbue it with functional properties, not as a stasus symbol or decoration.

i figure this squiggly line is for cutting,
the other symbol on opposite side of blade for puncturing /thrusting,
and the scabbard symbol for protection.

how does one date this sword? forgive me i am typing this response and didn't take note of who, but someone said 19C . sounds fair enough but how was this determined I am curious?

Thanks for any input

29th January 2021, 05:34 PM	#1
JoeCanada42 Member Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Canada Posts: 259	Old Nimcha for Info and to share Hello This is a nimcha I acquired a few weeks ago from ebay. I am curious for opinions on age, size, markings, and region of manufacture the blade only is a little over 26 inch long, and its 1 inch wide. what type of horn is the handle? are those morocan berber markings, on the case? and what about the carvings on the blade? the balance point is just about the center of the blades decorative carvings. thanks for looking and sharing any info. Attached Images Last edited by JoeCanada42; 30th January 2021 at 01:56 AM.

30th January 2021, 02:03 AM	#2
JoeCanada42 Member Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Canada Posts: 259	additional photo Attached Images

15th February 2021, 05:06 PM	#7
JoeCanada42 Member Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Canada Posts: 259	has anyone ever seen one of the nimchas made en mass for the siege of Malta? this sword seems made more for function than for show like some fancy adorned nimchas. i also get the interpretation the symbols on this blade , were put there to imbue it with functional properties, not as a stasus symbol or decoration. i figure this squiggly line is for cutting, the other symbol on opposite side of blade for puncturing /thrusting, and the scabbard symbol for protection. how does one date this sword? forgive me i am typing this response and didn't take note of who, but someone said 19C . sounds fair enough but how was this determined I am curious? Thanks for any input Attached Images

2nd February 2021, 07:01 AM	#3
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,623	Congratulations on your sword, it is Moroccan from the 19th century. The hilt looks bovine from the pictures.

2nd February 2021, 03:09 PM	#4
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	If I put a torch behind my ears, I'm a rhino...

2nd February 2021, 07:28 PM	#5
JoeCanada42 Member Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Canada Posts: 259	Thanks TVV, it probably is bovine, would be cool to know which species if possible, I read a little on some other threads, either way its not real rhino, but, Kubur is right lol could it be artistic design or just chance that the supposed horn part of the handles form is translucent, and by chance that there is a second horn, maybe the handle shrunk. either way I really like it , the color and shape, and phenomenon And the symbols! on the blade, on one side, in the center is a squiggle. wich i think i could have found 1 or 2 interpretations in berber/ amazigh for. and the symbol on the case is similar to a couple berber symbols also.

2nd February 2021, 07:38 PM	#6
JoeCanada42 Member Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Canada Posts: 259	Could the blade also be locally forged in the Maghreb/ morocco, or an imported blade? the fullers look wonky... and the quillon is definitely the most primitive ive seen on a nimcha, gots a cool look though.