West African saber?

[Iain]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

I think the Sierra Leone and generally those West African regions are most likely. The blade indeed appears to be a European hanger blade, probably quite old, possibly late 18th c.

I agree the general region Jim. Not sure about the blade age. There seem to be somewhat endless variations on these swords within the larger Mandinka ethnic group, including the Mandingo of Sierra Leone.

[blue lander]

Thanks both. I've been looking at the blade closely to see if there are any faint markings that might provide a hint, but so far nothing. They may be hidden by the hilt. There is an "S" shaped thing but I think it's just a flaw in the steel rather than a mark.

[Iain]

I would agree that's not a mark but rather just a surface scratch or aberration in the steel.

[Jim McDougall]

I agree on that 'mark' Iain. On the blade, it seems like a simple and 'wedge' type, and as Blue Lander noted, perhaps it may indeed be a briquette. I have seen many with these kinds of blades, and that would probably bring the blade into 19th century....these were around pretty much through the century.

[Iain]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

I agree on that 'mark' Iain. On the blade, it seems like a simple and 'wedge' type, and as Blue Lander noted, perhaps it may indeed be a briquette. I have seen many with these kinds of blades, and that would probably bring the blade into 19th century....these were around pretty much through the century.

The briquette idea is pretty compelling I think. Some of the Belgian models as I recall have this profile with no ricasso.

[blue lander]

I was oiling the blade up when I noticed the guard felt quite loose. I applied the slightest amount of pressure and the guard separated in two, revealing the base of the blade. It does appear to have a very small ricasso, although I still don't see any identifying marks. I'm going to clean the exposed part of the blade with mineral oil to see if anything pops out before I re attach the top of the guard.

[blue lander]

I cleaned up the newly exposed ricasso as best I could, but I don't see any markings. You'd think if it was a mid 19th century or newer blade it would have some sort of inspection stamps on it. Also interesting is that the steel is just as pitted in the part of the blade covered by the guard as it is in the exposed part.