Saif, Moroccan saif, sife, nimcha, nimsha

[Jim McDougall]

Maurice, perfect entry!!! and of course not at all 'interfering' !! The idea here is discussion not just of one example, but of the form in general to see and learn from the scope of examples shared.

As can be seen, while the 'nimcha' style hilt with its distinct quillon and guard system was widely used throughout the Arab world, and while some examples remain in remarkable condition, many had long working lives throughout the regions of North Africa.
In my view, examples like Yuri's and yours are most exciting, as they were indeed worn, and perhaps used over long periods, and often within various groups as they changed hands.

With colonial actions and intertribal warfare along with trade and many types of interaction through the 19th century, well into the 20th, these swords were not simply traditional fashion, they were worn to be used as required.
Evidence of this is seen with the bolster strap holding the hilt together on Maurice's example.
These hilts were indeed made of horn of some sort, but I'm sure it varied, and while rhino was of course much desired, it was not as readily available and expensive. Horn itself was durable and surely had certain values in the sense of the traditions and nuances of the culture itself.

Going to certain elements on these nimchas, as a form, I notice on the example shown by Maurice, at the forte there is a stamp which comprises what looks like a dentated arc (as seen on Genoan sickle marks) and a star.
This seems to be seen on certain Moroccan examples (as seen on my example attached) and is tempting to suggest it is some sort of 'state' mark of Morocco, but cannot say for sure.

In Morocco, according to Tirri (2003, p.19) it is noted there were numerous weapon making centers in Fez, Meknes, Marrakesh and Rabat where there were apparently favored designs for daggers. Also centers at Tetuan, Taroudent, Ras al Oeued and through Little Atlas there were centers for guns and assembly. Any of these might have been sources for established supply of arms which may have included these swords.

It is noted as well that there was extensive use of imported weapon components (which has been well established), and via the many trade routes, might have come in through any number of the entrepots receiving foreign blades.

This is the reason it is so hard to establish the regional classification of extant nimcha examples. The 'Barbary Coast' (the exonym previously used and derived from 'Berber') extended entirely across the North African littoral from Morocco to Libya. The 'Barbary Pirates' refer to these outlaw raiders who were active throughout roughly 15th c. well through 19th, but as with historic periods, there are no specific limits to exact times, any more than defining the age of piracy itself.

Often it seems surprising that full length swords would be used as a 'pirate' weapon, with shorter stout blades being expected for close quarters on deck fighting. Here I would note that typically, these 'pirates' would transport in their galleys, but raid ashore, thus the full length swords.

[Pertinax]

Hi Maurice!

A wonderful nimcha who has "seen a lot", it's a pity that she can't tell about it herself.

Please indicate the sizes.

Respectfully,
Yuri

[Maurice]

Hello Jim,

Many thanks for the extensive explanation.
It is absolutely fascinating, to learn more about the history of these impressive swords.

It looks like there was a change in blades in the past. The blade shape of Yuri and mine, seem to be from the early 1800's and latter?
According a friendcollector, the earlier blades have a more 'classic' pirate shape of blade, with a widening tip (like the ones from Michiel de Ruyter en Tromp in the Amsterdam Rijksmuseum collection, 17th century).

Kind regards,
Maurice

[Maurice]

Hi Yuri,

About the measurements:

Total length 955 mm, blade length (bolster excluded) 800 mm, width at guard 28 mm, thickness of the blades spine at guard 7 mm, weight 860 g.

Kind regards,
Maurice

[Pertinax]

Thank you Maurice!

Our nimchis have similar characteristics, but yours is a bit longer and more massive.

I would like to raise the question of the blade's origin once again.
From the very beginning, I assumed from the photo that the blade was of Maghreb origin due to the abundance of stamps on it.

When I received it, it seemed to me that the blade was stamped, not hand-forged.

Was it possible to stamp these stamps on a finished European blade? I do not have an answer to this question, my knowledge in this area is limited.

I ask for help from forum participants on this issue.

Respectfully,
Yuri

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Maurice

Hello Jim,

Many thanks for the extensive explanation.
It is absolutely fascinating, to learn more about the history of these impressive swords.

It looks like there was a change in blades in the past. The blade shape of Yuri and mine, seem to be from the early 1800's and latter?
According a friendcollector, the earlier blades have a more 'classic' pirate shape of blade, with a widening tip (like the ones from Michiel de Ruyter en Tromp in the Amsterdam Rijksmuseum collection, 17th century).

Kind regards,
Maurice

Hi Maurice,
Keep in mind that the blades used on these were invariably from many sources, most typically those entering the North African sphere as trade commodities. As with most ethnographic swords, there were local preferences regionally as far as hilts, in fact there were likely certain shops or artisans producing hilts for the mounting of blades by armorers in varied areas.
Once mounted with the blades on hand, they were traded intertribally for ongoing use.

Since the blades used were typically intended toward specific use patterns, the variation of blades used adjusted accordingly. In earlier times, as you note the 'pirate/cutlass' type blades were likely as they may have seen use on larger vessels which might experience deck combat. These heavy blades on vessels served also as utility items, just as cutlasses served as machetes ashore in tropical areas.

From what little I know of metallurgy, blades could be heated and 'cold stamped' with markings etc. long after being originally forged.
The 'trade' blades coming in over virtually centuries of course had different characteristics reflecting not only the national trade centers where they originated, but changes in blade profile, cross section and fullering which changed over time.

Many blades circulated in many areas and were often carried elsewhere via the complex trade networks and intertribal trading across North Africa through generations and centuries.
I recall seeing a European blade from 15th century in a Tuareg takouba which turned up a number of years ago.

[Pertinax]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

From what little I know of metallurgy, blades could be heated and 'cold stamped' with markings etc. long after being originally forged.

Jim, I also think that the marks were stamped on the blade blanks.

It is difficult for me to determine from the photo whether the Maurice blade is stamped or hand-forged. The blade on my nimcha is clearly stamped. If this is so, then it is reasonable to assume that due to the abundance of imitations of marks of famous European manufacturers, the blade is of local, Maghreb production.

If we date the blade to the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th century, then we can say that in the Maghreb countries at that time there were productions similar to Solingen and Klingenthal.

P.s.

I have an example - an officer's sabre of the Royal Guard of Spain M1825. The blade is imported Weyersberg, Solingen, and the inscriptions R.F.D TOLEDO and ANO D 18833 are made by engraving.