Two Interesting Curved Kaskara Swords From the Sudan

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by CharlesS

Was hoping someone might have more info on the brass hilt??

Jim?...where are you???

Hey Charles!
Sorry I was AWOL You know I cant resist kaskaras, and these are nice.
It has been a while, I'll see if I can find notes, but the crosshatch, brass hilt corresponds to a most unusual sword which I could only classify as an Ottoman hilt Sudanese shamshir. The pistol grip hilt also had the distinct kaskara langet, and the leather scabbard had the standard Sudanese flared tip.
The pommel style on yours is similar to others Ive seen, but again..the notes.

I recall some years ago trying to discover more on the use of brass in the Sudan on kaskaras, and it seems I was told there were superstitious associations, much as with other cultures. I have a kaskara of Mahdist period with the thuluth etched blade, traces of red on leather wrapped grip and the distinct Sudanese crossguard in brass.

I would think late 19th c. on these unusual crosshatch brass hilts, and very much ceremonially intended. I have yet to see another of these Ottoman style kaskaras!!!

All the best,
Jim