20th century takouba (complete)

[Iain]

Originally Posted by Sajen

Hello Ian,

very nice sword! What do you think how old it is?

Regards,

Detlef

Hi Detlef,

It's hard to say precisely, the blade and pommel seem quite well done. So I would guess perhaps something in the 1930s-40s range maybe? The leather and tassels of course can be later. Or of course the whole thing can be later as well.But the blade is pretty well done, with a good bevel and edge and the pommel shows a lot of patina. This makes me think it has just been nicely maintained and has a bit of age although certainly not a truly old item.

Regards,
Iain

[Martin Lubojacky]

Hi Iain,
Just a feeling - I would allocate it a little bit more to the west from the North Cameroon (baldric, style of braiding on the handle /?/). You can find very simmilar sword (blade) on this nice web:http: www.africanarms.com. Also, they used very simmilar, localy forged - but new, narrow and thick blade on this Mandingo sword.
Regards,
Martin

[Iain]

Originally Posted by Martin Lubojacky

Hi Iain,
Just a feeling - I would allocate it a little bit more to the west from the North Cameroon (baldric, style of braiding on the handle /?/). You can find very simmilar sword (blade) on this nice web:http: www.africanarms.com. Also, they used very simmilar, localy forged - but new, narrow and thick blade on this Mandingo sword.
Regards,
Martin

Hi Martin,

Thanks for the comments, my idea about region was based on photos like this one: http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3133/2...d85d3200_o.jpg

From Ngaoundéré. I saw similar of course from Nigerian side of the border as well.

Of course africanarms.com is fantastic website and the owner (Wolf) is also a member here.