Sudanese arm dagger for comment

[Sajen]

Today I have won this dagger: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Great-Qualit...vip=true&rt=nc
I think that it is an arm dagger from Sudan. There was once a thread where Lew has shown his beautiful collection which let me want to have such a dagger. What I can see from the few pictures the seller has provided has it a good patination and a very well worked blade but I know nearly nothing abaut this daggers. So all comments, special about the age and the exact origin will be from great interest. A translation from the inscription on the blade, when possible, is also very appreciated.
Thanks in advance,

Detlef

[Lew]

Very nice older example probably 1900-20? You will need someone to translate the inscription to be sure.

[A.alnakkas]

Nice one. The inscription says: umdurman :-)

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by A.alnakkas

Nice one. The inscription says: umdurman :-)

Hi Lotfy,

thank you for both, translation and compliment. Urdurman (or today Omdurman) is is the biggest city from Sudan, lying in the opposite from Khartoum apart from the Nil. So it's maybe worked in this city.
But there have been a battle at 1898 between Great Britain and Mahdist, see here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Omdurman.
So it's maybe possible that it was a bringback to GB from an soldier.

Anyway, thank you again and regards,

Detlef

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Lew

Very nice older example probably 1900-20? You will need someone to translate the inscription to be sure.

Thank you Lew,

have hoped that you comment on this one! Without having seen your very nice collection of this daggers I never will have get attention to them. I having seen that the inscription isn't a date but think that it maybe will give some further hints.
Hope that this dagger don't let become me addicted.

Regards,

Detlef

[Rick]

Originally Posted by Sajen

Thank you Lew,

Hope that this dagger don't let become me addicted.

Regards,

Detlef

I think it's too late detlef ....

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Rick

I think it's too late detlef ....

You could be right!

[Atlantia]

Hi Detlef,

It's a nice example. I'll be interested to see better pictures when you have it with you.

Also nice to have such a famous place name inscribed on the blade.
I always think it's a bonus to tie the item to a place or person.
A geographic location really 'anchors' an item wonderfully.

Looking at the pictures we can't see the other side of the blade. Perhaps there could even be something more on the other side?

أم درمان Looking at 'Umm Durmān' in standard Arabic makes you realise how fortunate we are to have Lotfy to translate for us!
He managed to make out "shughl Om Durman" on my silver box as well!
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=16282

Best
Gene