A Different Kastane Trade Blade

G. Mansfield · 1st December 2019, 03:48 AM

This Sinhalese Kastane sold at auction recently for a good price. It is not very old, late 19th or early 20th century. The interesting characteristic is that the blade is not the common local forged style with inlaid brass nor is it the older Dutch VOC imports often seen on early models. Rather the blade is a Berber North African flyssa style with geometric design and brass inlays. This type of blade was often seen on the "wedding" style nimchas or small ottoman influenced hilts with flyssa wooden sheaths sold at souks in Algiers in the early 20th century. This seems to be a strange marriage between sword and blade for the kastane. Possibly remounted at a later date?

(Note: I did not buy this item from auction)

Regards,
Geoff

1st December 2019, 03:48 AM	#1
G. Mansfield Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Posts: 83	A Different Kastane Trade Blade This Sinhalese Kastane sold at auction recently for a good price. It is not very old, late 19th or early 20th century. The interesting characteristic is that the blade is not the common local forged style with inlaid brass nor is it the older Dutch VOC imports often seen on early models. Rather the blade is a Berber North African flyssa style with geometric design and brass inlays. This type of blade was often seen on the "wedding" style nimchas or small ottoman influenced hilts with flyssa wooden sheaths sold at souks in Algiers in the early 20th century. This seems to be a strange marriage between sword and blade for the kastane. Possibly remounted at a later date? (Note: I did not buy this item from auction) Regards, Geoff Attached Images