African sword for I.D. and comment

Jim McDougall · 8th April 2009, 02:11 PM

Hi Colin,
The blade looks relatively modern, and seems entirely flat wedge shaped without fullering or marks apparantly, suggesting native work. The rather roughly done silver components also seem native, as is the ivory grip. The only component I am uncertain on is the guard itself, which appears to be iron and as mentioned, has distinct character of 18th century British swords. The entire sword itself may have been built on an actual heirloom component in these regions from the colonial trade during the 19th century. Most of the hilts I have seen made in European style have been in brass, and do not carry the subtlities usually seen on the originals.

All best regards,
Jim

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8th April 2009, 02:11 PM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	Hi Colin, The blade looks relatively modern, and seems entirely flat wedge shaped without fullering or marks apparantly, suggesting native work. The rather roughly done silver components also seem native, as is the ivory grip. The only component I am uncertain on is the guard itself, which appears to be iron and as mentioned, has distinct character of 18th century British swords. The entire sword itself may have been built on an actual heirloom component in these regions from the colonial trade during the 19th century. Most of the hilts I have seen made in European style have been in brass, and do not carry the subtlities usually seen on the originals. All best regards, Jim