Manding dagger/short-sword?

[Kirk]

Hey Ian,

The "nub" or "pommel cap" does seem to be a common design for both swords and daggers of the Mande/Manding people. It looks like a combination of Takouba and Kaskara pommel designs. The nub of the Kaskara pommel and the cap of the Takouba pommel. The third type I've noticed is where the upper and lower guards are the same and the pommel ends with a leather ring. Just a thought. I have a theory that one of these are of an older design from the classic or medieval times.


What makes you suspect the blade was shortened? I'll try to post better images of the blade for better analysis. What century do you think it was made?

Guess what, that Manding dagger with the deteriorated sheath you were looking at on ebay. I got it. Sorry dude. it was too nice of a piece to let pass. I'll see if I can get some photos of the hilt for you.