Saif for comment

Jim McDougall · 21st August 2012, 12:41 AM

Extremely attractive sabre Tatyana! and it appears to me to be of the type of hilt associated with Hadhramaut/Yemen. It does resemble many of the Zanzibari type hilts mentioned in Buttin (1933) in some degree, but those usually had a loop or ring extending from the crossguard, sometimes with pitones. This distinct hilt shape is described by Elgood as Hadhramati and the 18th-19th century were often elaborately covered in chased silver and often had chain links from pommel to guard.

This seems more modern and presented in traditional form, is the grip ebony or horn?

Jens, coincidentally many of these type sabres were produced in Hyderabad for the Arabian marketin the 18th -19th c., particularly the mercenary forces from Hadhramaut.

kahnjar1 · 21st August 2012, 05:16 AM

This may help Jim. Pic of the Zanzibari Saif with the "ringed" guard herewith.
Stu

Tatyana Dianova · 21st August 2012, 07:19 AM

Thank you all for the comments!
The Zanzibari hilts look really most similar to it, but this one have never had a loop on the crossguard...
The blade is of local manufacture, with makers's mark, pretty massive and heavy.
The hilt is most probably ebony.

21st August 2012, 05:16 AM	#2
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,786	Pic of Zanzibar Saif This may help Jim. Pic of the Zanzibari Saif with the "ringed" guard herewith. Stu Attached Images

21st August 2012, 12:41 AM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,189	Extremely attractive sabre Tatyana! and it appears to me to be of the type of hilt associated with Hadhramaut/Yemen. It does resemble many of the Zanzibari type hilts mentioned in Buttin (1933) in some degree, but those usually had a loop or ring extending from the crossguard, sometimes with pitones. This distinct hilt shape is described by Elgood as Hadhramati and the 18th-19th century were often elaborately covered in chased silver and often had chain links from pommel to guard. This seems more modern and presented in traditional form, is the grip ebony or horn? Jens, coincidentally many of these type sabres were produced in Hyderabad for the Arabian marketin the 18th -19th c., particularly the mercenary forces from Hadhramaut.

21st August 2012, 07:19 AM	#3
Tatyana Dianova Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 734	Thank you all for the comments! The Zanzibari hilts look really most similar to it, but this one have never had a loop on the crossguard... The blade is of local manufacture, with makers's mark, pretty massive and heavy. The hilt is most probably ebony.