old sabre

[Martin Lubojacky]

Ibrahiim, thank you for the first reaction. What I am 100 % sure: The blade is local, not imported, not made of snapped shotel. It is short, but classical stabbing with it is not too much practical due to its curvature. Except of one case: "to stab from behind". Because of its weight, I think, it is fatal slashing weapon. I already saw more sabres like this. (- as far as the design they are muchness and the length varries +- 5 cms)

[Martin Lubojacky]

Yes, I know classical shotels. Nevertheless their blade is always lighter, flatter and still (enerally) longer. There is also always difference it the hilt and style of pommel ...

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

This is very interesting Martin, On looking carefully at the sketch I note all three men in front are wearing a weapon like this. Perhaps this is an entirely new weapon?

[Martin Lubojacky]

I wouldn´t say new ... Nevertheless this specific form was not discussed. I wonder if favourers of Abyssinian staff (Roanoa ?) could add something or post photos ...

[Martin Lubojacky]

The quote is interesting. Thank you Ibrahiim !

[Kubur]

This sword is the illegitimate daughter of a shotel and a gile... I will say Afar, in between Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia...
a long dagger or a short sword, with a touch of a dharia but Yemen is next door...

[Martin Lubojacky]

Thank you Kubur. Afar gile is a light weapon in comparision with this (except of of the form of gile used by some Oromo tribes). This is probably not comming from Wollo or Somali regions. But frankly - somehow it is mystery even for Ethiopian antiquarians ...

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

This is very interesting Martin, On looking carefully at the sketch I note all three men in front are wearing a weapon like this. Perhaps this is an entirely new weapon? On the other hand ~ It is interesting trying to fathom how this was used except for the fact it looks vicious and it could be stuck into someone...it seems over curved... but on looking at related battle fields was this a special weapon to hamstring horses...? see http://www.victorianmilitarysociety....e-19th-century

Quote" On the way to relieve General Gordon at Khartoum, Count Gleichen (Guards Camel Corps) after the battle of Abu Klea, described the native weapons lying on the battle field thus:

"Arms of all sorts and broken banner-staves were scattered over the field; spears in hundreds, some of enormous length, javelins, knobkerries, hatchets, swords and knives, I even found a Birmingham bill-hook, with the trade-mark on it, in an Arab's hand, sharp as a razor and covered with blood and hair: how it got there I know not, so I confiscated it for the use of our mess."Unquote.

of knives it said ~

Quote" Knives offer the greatest variety in shape, decoration and materials used. They were double-edged and maintained at razor sharpness. The hooked blades were for hamstringing horses and transport animals, and were used with great effect against the 10th and 19th Hussars at El Teb."Unquote.