North African? Saber of European form

Shakethetrees · 12th September 2014, 02:44 AM

Jim,

Thanks for the observances!

As my lead-in story tells, it was such an odd-ball that I ignored it for a very long time, not realizing that these "orphans" can tell some amazing stories.

In time, as I saw more ethnic work, I came to realize the blade is Tuareg style. The back slab side is parallel to the upper facet opposite. The edge facet slopes down from the mid-point to the edge. There is no raised central ridge.

The hilt is very primitively made, just hand wrought and chiseled into shape. I don't think any self respecting Brit cutler could have in good conscience put out such a primitive piece!

The grip is very small, only 3.5", barely enough to squeeze my average sized hand into. The blade is a shade under 29", and about one and a quarter inches wide at the ricasso.

12th September 2014, 02:44 AM	#5
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	Jim, Thanks for the observances! As my lead-in story tells, it was such an odd-ball that I ignored it for a very long time, not realizing that these "orphans" can tell some amazing stories. In time, as I saw more ethnic work, I came to realize the blade is Tuareg style. The back slab side is parallel to the upper facet opposite. The edge facet slopes down from the mid-point to the edge. There is no raised central ridge. The hilt is very primitively made, just hand wrought and chiseled into shape. I don't think any self respecting Brit cutler could have in good conscience put out such a primitive piece! The grip is very small, only 3.5", barely enough to squeeze my average sized hand into. The blade is a shade under 29", and about one and a quarter inches wide at the ricasso. Attached Images