A Saudia-Yemeni Sword.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

A Saudia - Yemeni Sword.

Salaams All,

A lot of swords are flooding onto the Omani market in both Muscat and Salalah (I was there last week and obtained 4 out of 5 of the swords below) in the category not yet so well defined of Saudia Yemeni variant already discussed. It is generally thought that these weapons were originally Ethiopian with Rhino hilts and the hilts once they had arrived in Yemen were transferred to Jambia... and the rougher basic hilt as at pictures was added. The hilts do seem to be attributed to a style in Yemeni and Saudia Museums although as note ..perhaps somewhat roughly engineered.
The blades are variously German 19th C and or locally made in the Ethiopian style. Where they clearly originate from German manufacturers like Luckhause und Gunter they are decorated in the throat with the lion and banner motiff often very worn and with only a few tell tale squigles remaining.
The blades are quite heavy and some are reasonably flexible and with rounded tips done here (i.e.not done in Germany)

One weapon is single edged, straight (possibly straightened?) and of good quality steel. The hilt in that case is leather covered.

Another carries the local 3 moons and stars mark to both sides of the blade.
That blade has a dot at the tip on both sides.

Here are the 5 weapons.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.