![]() |
![]() |
#31 |
Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: GA USA
Posts: 76
|
![]()
I think there are no European maker marks on any Takouba because:
1. the tuaregs would have erase the marking and place antimagic symbols as they do in most. 2. The blades sold to the Tuareg would have been like the Kalashnikovs for Taliban's: they would be use to kill Europeans passing the desert, caravans with Venetian traders etc ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#32 |
(deceased)
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: East Coast USA
Posts: 3,191
|
![]()
Here is my takouba similar blade but with three fullers.
Lew Last edited by LOUIEBLADES; 20th October 2006 at 05:42 AM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#33 |
Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: GA USA
Posts: 76
|
![]()
It is very nice I think is a beginning of the 20th century one. If it has as you say a heavy blade it might be European. The Tuareg blade are very thin and flexible.
Do you agree with me that your nice sword is Bali? They had skilled blacksmiths capable to come up with that blade plus their swords are very rare and that would explain why I have never seen one. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#34 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Italia
Posts: 1,243
|
![]()
Hi guys, what do you think about this one? blade is european or african?
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#35 |
Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Kent
Posts: 2,653
|
![]()
Flavio nice Kaskara...IMHO the blade looks to be of local manufacture...the grinding marks would have been polished out in a Euro blade.
The fuller running down to the point may suggest the tip of the blade may have been broken off during its life. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#36 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Italia
Posts: 1,243
|
![]()
Hi katana, the grooves seems to be forged, not grinding. Anyway also to me the blade seems to be of local manufacture. Yes, could be that the blade was shortened.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#37 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 13
|
![]()
Well what about this then? Two kaskaras (one mine, not pictured) and a Scottish basket hilt with near as dammit identical blades. Engraved decoration so similar I think they must be from the same source. Pictures and a little bit of input over on SFI.
1st posting ELJay's input Sorry for the myriad links to see all the pics. Unfortunately I lost the photos of mine in a computer crash, but it really is almost indistinguishable from the other two except for a greater degree of wear. Anyway, not that I doubt Artzi & ElJay (too much ![]() Paul Last edited by Paul Digard; 22nd December 2006 at 11:40 PM. Reason: typo |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#38 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: What is still UK
Posts: 5,780
|
![]()
Sadly I cannot add a kaskara pic as I swapped the last one I had for two more rare Mahdist weapons. My observances have been that the half moons do vary. To me the basket hilt sword does have a European blade. The other indeed looks very similar but I would agree that it is probably made in Africa. I believe it is possible to discern a difference in the steel and the workmanship most obvious at the forte. Being able to handle the sword would be how oppinions were formed with confidence. I could also be wrong
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#39 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: B.C. Canada
Posts: 473
|
![]()
Hi Paul,
I have seen a number of German blades made for takobas, kaskaras and gurades mounted with baskethilts. I have been able to trace a couple back to where the two met. They were modern creations from parts. Your blade is a Kaskara blade. The snake is a Persian influence on these weapons, I don't know its significance. I would think it is unlikely that your blade and hilt started their life together. I think the Oakeshott warning about medieval swords with kaskara features also applies to the modern swords as well. Hope this helps. Jeff |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#40 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 13
|
![]()
Thanks Jeff.
Just to clarify, I don't own the basket hilt. I thought about buying it because my first reaction was that it was genuine and I loved the match between it and the kaskara I do have. Then the doubts started... Happy holidays all. Paul |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
|