[Miguel]

Hello Everyone,

I have two very ordinary Kaskaras in my collection. The first one I believe to be completely original having a leather scabbard and wooden leather bound hilt with leather disc pommel and iron crossgaurd with two languets one of which has a piece broken off. The 36.75 ins double edged blade has three narrow, shallow fullers for a short distance changing to a single central fuller about which are stamped back to back crescent moon marks.
Having read through the various excellent threads on blade marks I believe that on this sword they are talismanic stamped by a local smith, I also believe that the blade is African made but if possible I would welcome confirmation or otherwise.

The second sword has had its hilt rebound with cord and a replacement steel pommel disc. The scabbard is also a replacement, this work being done about twenty or so years ago. The 35.75 ins double edged blade is slightly more narrow than the first one and has a single central fuller on each side for a short distance. This fuller is wider, deeper and better formed than those on the first sword. On one side, in the centre of the fuller, is a strange stamp mark, I cant make out what it represents, a frog, a turtle I don't know. I have searched through the above mentioned threads together with internet searches but just cant place it. I am hoping that someone will recognize it and also confirm whether or not the blade is African made or European. Both blades are quite springy.
Thank you.
Miguel