Mystery sword - tourist/souvenir piece?

[milandro]

It looks like an Central African Luba sword where the hilt has been crudely replaced by a flat hilt wrapped in brass

[Tim Simmons]

The decoration on the blade seems to suggest Africa. If a person came across some heavier round copper wire? Why not use it.

[Pertinax]

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

The decoration on the blade seems to suggest Africa. If a person came across some heavier round copper wire? Why not use it.

Of course the sword was made in Africa, but it is not old.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Pertinax

Of course the sword was made in Africa, but it is not old.

Hi Juri,

I would rather assume that an old blade has been given a new handle. The copper winding also doesn't look what I am used to seeing with African blades. I suspect that this was not done in Africa!

Regards,
Detlef

[Pertinax]

Originally Posted by Sajen

Hi Juri,

I would rather assume that an old blade has been given a new handle. The copper winding also doesn't look what I am used to seeing with African blades. I suspect that this was not done in Africa!

Regards,
Detlef

Hi Detlef

We may no longer be able to reliably know the truth about this sword.

In African countries, various ethnic swords and spears are produced for tourists. Few local artisans make traditional items of their tribes. This is mainly done "on African motives", so braided electrical cable on the handle is quite possible. With the development of tourism, the demand is very high, almost every tourist takes home an African sword or African spear in their suitcase.

Regards, Yuri