Masai Knife/Sword

Iliad · 25th July 2013, 11:25 PM

Greetings to all,
My latest purchase, from a reputable Auction House, is this long knife/short sword, catalogued as a Masai knife. It came with a belt with cartridge loops, so I assume that the knife and belt belong to each other. The blade is marked "Martindale", "Made in England". I have Bezdek's book "Swords and Sword Makers of England and Scotland" and he lists a William Martindale who operated in the mid 1600's as a gun and sword maker. The weapon appears to have some age to it although the belt seems to be less old. Perhaps a forum member with a good library will know if the blade is from the Martindale in Bezdek's book, or another Martindale.
All comments welcome.
Regards,
Brian

Iain · 25th July 2013, 11:54 PM

The Martindale in question should be this one: http://www.ralphmartindale.co.uk/

Their products are still sold widely in Africa I believe. Your blade was made from reshaping a 227-380-03 pattern machete I think or at least one of similar dimensions. This is quite common for 20th century Masai seme as far as I can recall.

25th July 2013, 11:25 PM	#1
Iliad Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 187	Masai Knife/Sword Greetings to all, My latest purchase, from a reputable Auction House, is this long knife/short sword, catalogued as a Masai knife. It came with a belt with cartridge loops, so I assume that the knife and belt belong to each other. The blade is marked "Martindale", "Made in England". I have Bezdek's book "Swords and Sword Makers of England and Scotland" and he lists a William Martindale who operated in the mid 1600's as a gun and sword maker. The weapon appears to have some age to it although the belt seems to be less old. Perhaps a forum member with a good library will know if the blade is from the Martindale in Bezdek's book, or another Martindale. All comments welcome. Regards, Brian Attached Images

25th July 2013, 11:54 PM	#2
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,693	The Martindale in question should be this one: http://www.ralphmartindale.co.uk/ Their products are still sold widely in Africa I believe. Your blade was made from reshaping a 227-380-03 pattern machete I think or at least one of similar dimensions. This is quite common for 20th century Masai seme as far as I can recall.