Old Nimcha for Info and to share

[JoeCanada42]

here is the peice of metal on the scabbard after i cleaned it.

it is very similar to many Berber symbols, some for protection against the evil eye.

the symbol on the blade, the squiggly line, doesn't seem much like a decoration being a simple squiggly line in the center of actual floral decorations.

i have also found the squiggly line in Berber as a symbol for metal workers, and a symbol for the snake, a masculine symbol.

when i wield the sword, i really get the impression they were put there for a imbuement purpose.

[Jim McDougall]

Thank you Joe, it is interesting looking into these sabers which we know as 'nimcha' , but are actually simply termed in the Arab world, sa'if. As shown by Charles Buttin (1933), these Arab sabers are simply known by this term in the many regions they occur in which extended throughout those in the Arab trade and colonial spheres.

It is well known that forms of this type sword became as some point, the collecting community began to regard a certain hilt style with a ring on the guard as a 'Zanzibar' version. We have discovered, that as these same hilts were regarded by Buttin, one of the foremost authorities of his time, as 'Arab sa'if' collectively with these more well known types.
This example (illustrated) is one of these 'zanzibar nimchas' and was apparently among a grouping of these (about 40) acquired in Yemen in the 80s. These were among weapons presumed for use in the ongoing civil unrest in those regions.
Note the triple cross markings on the blade, which seem among the many spurious copies of presumably European markings found on many trade blades.

The next example I add here is an earlier type blade, which is more the falchion types with flared tip which would have been used on sabers perhaps even of those seen at Malta and Lepanto (though this blade is not quite that early). The hilting on this is of the 'karabela' style which comes from Ottoman form of late 16th century and became well known in Turkish and Iraqi areas into Europe.
As seen in "Arms and Armour of Arabia" (Robert Elgood, 1994) these remained in use traditionally well into the 20th century, and much as the form seen in the OP here which certainly found use with the notorious Barbary pirates.....these were used notably by pirates in Muscati regions in Arabia.

As discussed, much earlier blades were often rehilted as they changed hands and in accord with traditionally held design through not only generations, but centuries. As these were typically more ersatz weapons for rank and file, many almost munitions grade, the higher quality of those for higher station persons was obviously more prevalent.
The gold metal band at the base of the grip on the hilt is simply a bolster (not sure of Arabic term) and perhaps approximates the wire wrap on Islamic shamshirs. While decorative, this may have once had pragmatic value in strengthening hilt in cutting blows.

[JoeCanada42]

Very Cool Info Thanks Jim,
So maybe all Nimchas Are "Arab" saifs, but all Arab saifs are not Nimchas?
That one sword you posted with the Karabela Cross gaurd and wood Handle also more Karabela Shaped. if it was acquired elsewhere would it still be called Nimcha? I dont get how that specific sword is called a Nimcha, Maybe a Saif, but isnt Saif just a broad category word Like Saber.,,, In my Interpretation Nimcha or small sword, is what i would call a Hangar, like a small pirate sword.

and it would look primitive like a pirate sword, like the sword you posted with the crosses on the blade, The more elaborate gold embellished swords aren't really as small swords, and are more Arab styled , Sabre sized, Saif..

just my opinion

[JoeCanada42]

I find the Nimchas extra forward facing quillons remind me more of portuguese crab swords, then arab sabres. my opinion.

[kronckew]

All wolves are Canines, all Canines are not dogs. The domestic dog is 98% wolf. lines blur between different members of the same family. Foxes are canines, but not wolves, Maned Wolves are not wolves but are canines.

All nimcha are saif, not all saif are nimcha, some saif are part nimcha. karabala hilts are not nimcha hilts.

All berries are fruits, but not all fruits are berries. A pineapple is a group of berries. a banana is a berry, a strawberry is NOT a berry, blackberries are NOT berries either. Not all fruits are even called fruits. A tomato is a fruit. An avocado is a berry. So is a watermelon.

Who said names have to be logical?

[JoeCanada42]

Kronckew, I agree with you,

[JoeCanada42]

I would like to elaborate a little more on my interpretation of the markings on the blade,

first the cutting symbol,, nowadays we use scissors and we cut on the segmented line, in snipping type cuts, (------)

if you cut with a blade, you wave the blade back and forth, in a sawing motion, if you were to draw the cutting motion on a surface , with movement,(~~~~)

Aswell the the squiggly line is even more evident, as a visual representation of cutting ; -
In this experiment I provided for example, wich you are invited to recreate.

for the cut, i drew from the top down , one time is enough to get results, but if you repeat the cut motion a few times the pattern only becomes move evident.

for the puncture, it is self explanitory aswell.