Takouba sabres

Jim McDougall · 21st June 2010, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ispn

As always thanks for your informative input Jim.

I should mention the first example, having checked my notes, was actually collected in Cameroon - so your observation is quite correct! While I'm no expert in European cavalry blades I'd be very surprised if this blade is not native. The fuller is roughly forged with poor symmetry in places.

On the second one, yes, blade is of typical quality. A much lighter weapon, both in actual weight and feel.

You are very welcome indeed!!!

Good observation on the cavalry type sabre blade, and it does appear atypical of the typical European production characteristics. As has been mentioned, the skills of native armourers in these regions has often and long been underestimated.

Tim Simmons · 21st June 2010, 08:42 PM

No the club was expensive the sword was exactly half the price.

The sword blade is 61cm long so really a short infantry weapon. It is written that the bulk of pre 1906 Sudanic forces were infantry. I think the handle has a wood core as opposed to fabric or metal. This lends a slight weight forward nature to the weapon. The club has a metal core.

Iain · 22nd June 2010, 09:36 AM

The club is certainly impressive. I imagine the full leather covering was partly for superstitious reasons (not touching iron or steel) and partly for preservation of the metal itself.

Did they come from the same collection? They seem very well matched. Did you ever arrive at a tribal attribution?

Tim Simmons · 22nd June 2010, 06:59 PM

I got them years apart but they are so well matched. The club is a wood stick with a metal knob then covered in leather.

21st June 2010, 08:42 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,925	No the club was expensive the sword was exactly half the price. The sword blade is 61cm long so really a short infantry weapon. It is written that the bulk of pre 1906 Sudanic forces were infantry. I think the handle has a wood core as opposed to fabric or metal. This lends a slight weight forward nature to the weapon. The club has a metal core.

22nd June 2010, 09:36 AM	#3
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,719	The club is certainly impressive. I imagine the full leather covering was partly for superstitious reasons (not touching iron or steel) and partly for preservation of the metal itself. Did they come from the same collection? They seem very well matched. Did you ever arrive at a tribal attribution?

22nd June 2010, 06:59 PM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,925	I got them years apart but they are so well matched. The club is a wood stick with a metal knob then covered in leather.