please, can anyone identify this crude (African?) sword

katana · 31st January 2006, 05:20 PM

Hello everyone,
what a fantastic site.Reading through the various threads I have gained a certain amount of information, but I'm staggered at the detailed knowledge of many of the contributors!

I have recently started a collection of African knives and spears and came across this small sword, which I took a risk on and purchased. The owner had no idea as to its origin, but had been owned by an older relative for a number of years.
It measures 28.5''(720mm), the blade is 20.5'' (520mm) long, is 1 3/4'' (40)mm wide at the hilt, and sharply tapers to a point. The handle is covered in leather with a distinct 'basket weave' texture around the handle.

It seems that the blade edges were never sharpened, which suggested to me it may be a 'stabbing' weapon, the point is very sharp. In the hand, the sword 'feels' that way to.My gut feeling is that it is North African, the handle seems to have a Roman Gladius (Mediterranean?) influence about it. The blade has been crudely forged, hammer marks very noticeable. The scabbard is thick leather, well made and is a good fit ( to the sword). If anyone has any information, I would be very grateful. Below are a few pictures, thankyou

31st January 2006, 05:20 PM	#1
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	please, can anyone identify this crude (African?) sword Hello everyone, what a fantastic site.Reading through the various threads I have gained a certain amount of information, but I'm staggered at the detailed knowledge of many of the contributors! I have recently started a collection of African knives and spears and came across this small sword, which I took a risk on and purchased. The owner had no idea as to its origin, but had been owned by an older relative for a number of years. It measures 28.5''(720mm), the blade is 20.5'' (520mm) long, is 1 3/4'' (40)mm wide at the hilt, and sharply tapers to a point. The handle is covered in leather with a distinct 'basket weave' texture around the handle. It seems that the blade edges were never sharpened, which suggested to me it may be a 'stabbing' weapon, the point is very sharp. In the hand, the sword 'feels' that way to.My gut feeling is that it is North African, the handle seems to have a Roman Gladius (Mediterranean?) influence about it. The blade has been crudely forged, hammer marks very noticeable. The scabbard is thick leather, well made and is a good fit ( to the sword). If anyone has any information, I would be very grateful. Below are a few pictures, thankyou Attached Images