Hi Teodor,
A really interesting and unusual example of the Moroccan sa'if typically termed by collectors 'nimcha'. This example is unusual as it is mounted with a heavy straight blade, which is most likely a Solingen product and of the end of the 18th century. The blade seems to be of its original length as the center point fuller meets the tip as is typical for this particular cross section blade known as 'Montmorency' for the French officer who designed it in that period.
The cabalistic symbol panoply is of typical Solingen application. It seems that this type blade was more common on longer cavalry blades, but wonder if this might have been designed for shorter weapons such as those on artillery swords, and auxiliary units.
Interesting note on the quillon system, I was not aware that these hilts had variation between Morocco and Algeria. While these are typically regarded as Moroccan, it is well known they were used as far as Algeria, and interestingly there are portraits of English nobles wearing them in the 17th century.
Best regards,
Jim
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