North African? Saber of European form

Shakethetrees · 11th September 2014, 02:20 PM

Let's PM.

Jim McDougall · 11th September 2014, 11:53 PM

This is indeed an anomaly, and as been well observed, the guard pattern of the hilt remarkably favors the British M1853 cavalry sabre. As noted, the scabbard seems entirely Saharan with the central depression, as well as some of the tooling designs resembling Tuareg style motif.
Those carry flaps are also typically seen on Tuareg scabbards.

The hilt, while resembling the British pattern, is not of the characteristic standard, and seems one of the colonially produced examples. I think of these from I believe Rodwell & Co. who produced these model swords for the police or security forces of a railway Co (I think it was Baruda).
These hilts could easily have entered the North African sphere during the post Mahdiyya condominium and how they might have diffused further is anybodys guess.
It is most uncommon to see this kind of a hilt on a Saharan sword, so very incongruent with the Tuareg style scabbard. I would point out that there were curved takouba known as aljuinar. I have also seen these with Mole blades (Birmingham England),

The blade is absolutely native and the raised central ridge also atypical for Sahara, while well known in Ethiopia (much like the 'gile' blade) and the Maasai seme.

Interesting to say the least! and an attractive sabre, apparently with some stories to tell.

*side note re: M1853 British cavalry swords.......many of these were supplied to the Confederate States in the Civil War through Isaac & Co. in London. Also many of the pattern were produced for native cavalry regiments in India.

Shakethetrees · 12th September 2014, 02:44 AM

Jim,

Thanks for the observances!

As my lead-in story tells, it was such an odd-ball that I ignored it for a very long time, not realizing that these "orphans" can tell some amazing stories.

In time, as I saw more ethnic work, I came to realize the blade is Tuareg style. The back slab side is parallel to the upper facet opposite. The edge facet slopes down from the mid-point to the edge. There is no raised central ridge.

The hilt is very primitively made, just hand wrought and chiseled into shape. I don't think any self respecting Brit cutler could have in good conscience put out such a primitive piece!

The grip is very small, only 3.5", barely enough to squeeze my average sized hand into. The blade is a shade under 29", and about one and a quarter inches wide at the ricasso.

blue lander · 12th September 2014, 05:21 PM

I saw a similar European sabre with Tuareg looking scabbard go up for auction a few months ago. But the blade and hilt on this one are obviously European and not some native facsimile.

12th September 2014, 02:44 AM	#3
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	Jim, Thanks for the observances! As my lead-in story tells, it was such an odd-ball that I ignored it for a very long time, not realizing that these "orphans" can tell some amazing stories. In time, as I saw more ethnic work, I came to realize the blade is Tuareg style. The back slab side is parallel to the upper facet opposite. The edge facet slopes down from the mid-point to the edge. There is no raised central ridge. The hilt is very primitively made, just hand wrought and chiseled into shape. I don't think any self respecting Brit cutler could have in good conscience put out such a primitive piece! The grip is very small, only 3.5", barely enough to squeeze my average sized hand into. The blade is a shade under 29", and about one and a quarter inches wide at the ricasso. Attached Images

12th September 2014, 05:21 PM	#4
blue lander Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 456	I saw a similar European sabre with Tuareg looking scabbard go up for auction a few months ago. But the blade and hilt on this one are obviously European and not some native facsimile. Attached Images

11th September 2014, 02:20 PM	#1
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	Let's PM.

11th September 2014, 11:53 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,190	This is indeed an anomaly, and as been well observed, the guard pattern of the hilt remarkably favors the British M1853 cavalry sabre. As noted, the scabbard seems entirely Saharan with the central depression, as well as some of the tooling designs resembling Tuareg style motif. Those carry flaps are also typically seen on Tuareg scabbards. The hilt, while resembling the British pattern, is not of the characteristic standard, and seems one of the colonially produced examples. I think of these from I believe Rodwell & Co. who produced these model swords for the police or security forces of a railway Co (I think it was Baruda). These hilts could easily have entered the North African sphere during the post Mahdiyya condominium and how they might have diffused further is anybodys guess. It is most uncommon to see this kind of a hilt on a Saharan sword, so very incongruent with the Tuareg style scabbard. I would point out that there were curved takouba known as aljuinar. I have also seen these with Mole blades (Birmingham England), The blade is absolutely native and the raised central ridge also atypical for Sahara, while well known in Ethiopia (much like the 'gile' blade) and the Maasai seme. Interesting to say the least! and an attractive sabre, apparently with some stories to tell. *side note re: M1853 British cavalry swords.......many of these were supplied to the Confederate States in the Civil War through Isaac & Co. in London. Also many of the pattern were produced for native cavalry regiments in India.