| The cross-guard of this takouba of
"central" type is covered with embossed brown leather except for
brass at the tips, which is overlain by copper on the display face of the
hilt. A central brass plate with copper overlay is also present centrally
on the display face or the cross-guard. Engraved decoration is present on
these metallic enhancements. From where the leather has retracted away from
the brass centrally, an underlying base appearing to be sheet metal can
be seen. The pommel shows a low stacked pyramid tip of three layers, the
central layer being copper, the others brass. Though the hilt and scabbard
are well patinated from long wear, the scabbard suspension rings of aluminum
strongly suggest these are mid-20 th Century mountings. |
