Interesting Kaskara from the Askeri Museum

TVV · Yesterday, 11:43 PM

When visiting the Askeri Museum a few weeks ago, I found this sword. The museum claims that it is a Byzantine 15th century sword, which it most definitely is not. As a rule, the curators in the Askeri never really cared about proper attribution, so the misattribution is not surprising.

To me, it looks like a kaskara, potentially an earlier one and with an interesting silver hilt. I wonder of anyone is familiar with the markings in the base of the blade.

Edster · Today, 03:11 PM

To me this sword is not a Kaskara, likely "invented" in mid-19th C. The handle has none of the design elements of a kaskara. The cross guard is close and looks like those cast brass elements from Egypt most common on acid etched blades during the late Mahdist era. (I can't recall just now the name).

Don't know about the mark on the blade.

Design elements of the hilt are similar to ancient Islamic swords like the one in Askari Museum attached. (Sorry I can't extract an image of the grip to show. Maybe Tim can give me a hand.)

http://i1337.photobucket.com/albums/...ps489036f4.jpg

Regards,
Ed

Yesterday, 11:43 PM	#1
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,670	Interesting Kaskara from the Askeri Museum When visiting the Askeri Museum a few weeks ago, I found this sword. The museum claims that it is a Byzantine 15th century sword, which it most definitely is not. As a rule, the curators in the Askeri never really cared about proper attribution, so the misattribution is not surprising. To me, it looks like a kaskara, potentially an earlier one and with an interesting silver hilt. I wonder of anyone is familiar with the markings in the base of the blade. Attached Images

Today, 03:11 PM	#2
Edster Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 423	To me this sword is not a Kaskara, likely "invented" in mid-19th C. The handle has none of the design elements of a kaskara. The cross guard is close and looks like those cast brass elements from Egypt most common on acid etched blades during the late Mahdist era. (I can't recall just now the name). Don't know about the mark on the blade. Design elements of the hilt are similar to ancient Islamic swords like the one in Askari Museum attached. (Sorry I can't extract an image of the grip to show. Maybe Tim can give me a hand.) http://i1337.photobucket.com/albums/...ps489036f4.jpg Regards, Ed