Nimcha, literally

[M ELEY]

I don't think one should completely rule out the possibility that the blade could have been shortened on purpose for sea use. The reason this was such a common practice was due to the convenience of shorter blade length in tight quarters. The Moroccan/Barbary Corsairs flourished during the time period of this piece, so unless the blade was damaged at the tip and HAD to be shortened, I can't imagine why else they would have shortened it when most nimcha have longer blades. On a side note, it is interesting to remember that many Berber sabers (again, associated but not absolutely connected with pirate/maritime activity) often have European blades with the tips purposely cut into a clipped cresent point, shortening the blade. Has anyone ever determined why this was such a common decoration/practice? Used to have one with brass inlays shaped like ocean waves...didn't think of the significance until years later after I sold it. BTW, the cabalistic markings aren't exclusive to just Solingen makers, although common. I have an early 18th century Dutch hanger inscribed/sharpened and forged in Amsterdam with the exact same markings...