A nice solid example of a kaskara sword, most likely from the East African Beja peoples. The well made blade is 32 inches (81.5 cm) long, slowly tapering and appears to be of European trade origin (based upon flexibility and two well struck facing half moon devices on each face that were generated from two different stamps). The blade has three narrow fullers on each face, the center one longer than those on either side. A number of scratches and scuffs and evidence of re-honing are noted under a presently burnished surface. The characteristic cross guard has the langet typical of the kaskara with arms of diamond cross-section and shows a few forging flaws. On cross guard arm has unexplained grooves on either face. The grip is wrapped with silver alloy wire adjacent to the cross guard and covered with embossed plate of similar alloy. The pommel is covered with dark leather having some losses to the outer layer exposing old nails below, but remains most presentable and supports Lew's dating as circa the 1890s. Overall length is 36½ inches (92.7 cm) with a weight of just under 34 ounces (981 g).