unknown African saber - old Mandinka?

[Martin Lubojacky]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

For me, identification and classification of edged weapons from these western regions is a nebulous pursuit, as geographical borders are very much rigid opposed to tribal movements and diffusion of materials through trade are certainly not. ...........Granted, this sword has 'Cameroon' possibilities, and in my experience, the dual discoid form on the hilt (rather a rondel like character) is seen on 19th c swords identified as from Sierra Leone.
......

I think, that as far as sometimes difficult identification of swords from this western African region, Jim is absolutely correct.

Would also vote to half-breed between Mandingo and swords generally identified as from Sierra Leone, -- or some less comon variation from Sierra Leone/southern part of Guinea/Liberia region. I personally do not see any sign denotative that the sword is comming from Cameroon ....