LOL!
I can't see anyone getting offended over your statements, Yannis, and you're somewhat correct in your observations, but I'd say only in relation to tribal level pieces.
Gold plating has been seen in pieces as old as the 1500's, I believe.
N Africa had a lot of exposure, being at the hub of many trade routes and was even part of the ancient Greek empire, with a lot of European influence as far back as the Crusades, being a staging area for armies heading to the Holy Lands.
While this particular sword doesn't appear extremely old, the early to mid 19th century wouldn't surprise me if it was well cared for, and possibly even a little older.
For the type, it's a beautiful specimen, and, as I said earlier, I'd suspect a presentation piece much moreso than a "tourist" sword, having all of the earmarks of a real weapon.
Africa is unusual in that it's not unusual to find pieces from the superb to the rudimentry found side by side and with all levels in between.
One Uzbekistan sword I have was purchased by a Michigan college professor from a camel caravan camped outside of Jerusalem in the early 1990's, indicating that some old ways continue on, even today.
Mike
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