Lew Waldman's Ethnographic Arms & Armour Collection Archive


1018 - East African Sudanese Kaskara Broadsword with Scabbard & Sling

A nice example of a kaskara broadsword complete with the typical leather scabbard and carrying sling. The straight double edged blade is 32¼ inches (82.2 cm) in length and a short, narrow fuller on each blade face. The blade faces are etched with an inscription on one side and decorative devices on both. The hilt is typical, with a round leather covered pommel, a leather cord wrapped grip and an iron cross guard of diamond cross section at the ends and rounding towards the center where there is the usual langet for this type. A dark brown embossed leather scabbard features creamy white accents and retains its attached sling and hanging decorative elements. The blade does not insert fully into the scabbard and is darkened in the exposed area as well as having scattered patches of discoloration. The leather elements show some aging and evidence of wear and this is likely 20th century. Overall length is 38 inches (97 cm) with a weight of just under 41 ounces (1155 grams).




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