Arabic....North African curved dagger...comments / help

[katana]

Just bought this and haven't been able to identify its origins. The handle has a sort of 'Flissa' look, and the engravings look similar to some Berber blades.
Apparently it was a WW1 'trophy', it is described as being 46cms long overall and the blade 28cms long. The carved wooden sheath has several brass rings.
Can anyone put me out of my misery....... I keep thinking of the tales of Lawrence of Arabia......overactive imagination ..AGAIN

[Rick]

Aren't these pretty much Moroccan in origin ?
I had one of these as a child ; WWII item most likely from the souk ; it was definitely made for TWTFP.
I can't tell from the pictures if this one is a serious weapon or souvenir .

[katana]

Hi Rick,
I have not received it yet, It is guaranteed not to be tourist 'junk', the seller buys and sells militaria so I would assume that he knows what he's talking about

The dagger definately seems to have age and patina, (the pictures I received were very high resolution )

Souk ???? and TWTFP ??? Sorry for my lack of Knowledge Rick could you explain ?

[Emanuel]

Hello katana,

I'm still unsure whether my variant is made for Those Who Travel For Pleasure or not. It has a thin 2mm blade, crude engravings and the scabbard and hilt only have brass inlay, not carving like yours. I had the impression that these are indeed Moroccan and that they have a ceremonial function -hence the name Wedding Nimcha. To me they look like a non-weapon derivative of the shula.

Emanuel

[ariel]

I agree with Rick: this is a North African bazaar version of Nimcha (or Zeus only knows what they call it). It is aimed at the tourist market, although I've been told that similar creations were used at wedding ceremonies, as part of the costume.
As far as I know, they have no utilitarian or military purpose and it is reflected in the quality of their blades.

[ErnestoJuan]

According to Tirri (page 44) , these daggers originate from Algiers.

[ErnestoJuan]

Originally Posted by Manolo

Hello katana,

I'm still unsure whether my variant is made for Those Who Travel For Pleasure or not. It has a thin 2mm blade, crude engravings and the scabbard and hilt only have brass inlay, not carving like yours. I had the impression that these are indeed Moroccan and that they have a ceremonial function -hence the name Wedding Nimcha. To me they look like a non-weapon derivative of the shula.

Emanuel

I think I know what you mean. However, the 20th century variant of the shula really does not look like these so called " ceremonial nimcha's " .

Like I said in my previous post; according to Tirri these ceremonial items come from Algiers. On the other hand, many describe these items as " ceremonial nimchas' " thus originating from Morocco.

just my 2 euro cents.

In the very near future I woll post pictures of my collection of koummya's, shula's and related items.

[Hager]

Originally Posted by Manolo

Hello katana,

I'm still unsure whether my variant is made for Those Who Travel For Pleasure or not. It has a thin 2mm blade, crude engravings and the scabbard and hilt only have brass inlay, not carving like yours. I had the impression that these are indeed Moroccan and that they have a ceremonial function -hence the name Wedding Nimcha. To me they look like a non-weapon derivative of the shula.

Emanuel

Hello ,
I was hoping someone in the know might help me . I just received a matched pair of the blades and scabbards identical to the one Manola illustraited in his post . They were given to me by my mother and I remember them in our house in the 1950's . She thinks the date from early 1900's but really doesn't know for sure . Was wondering if anyone ever got a definative answer as to their history and what would their value be ? Don't intend to sell them , just curious as to what I have here ?Any thoughts would be appreciated .Thanks.

Hager .

[katana]

Hello Hagar,
welcome to the forum....

Manolo posted two different types, which one are you refering to.

Regards David

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