Yemeni Sayfs? Omani Kattaras?

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by SwedeGreen

Shokran Ibrahiim al Balooshi and thanks to all for your insight.

I've looked at many photos on the internet, have not yet begun looking for museum collections. The closest example of this hilt that I've found is on the website of Fort Antiques under "Omani Swords", item S20, photo attached. They list it as such:

"Very old Mamluke design hilt possibly 7th Century refitted on a 18th or 19th Century European (German) trade blade for the Ethiopian market . Obtained via Yemen and Muscat. This is a SAYF variant." FortAntiques

I discounted the reference to the Mamlukes until Mr. Balooshi's comment on a possible connection as an early example.

Would the blades be contemporaneous with the hilts or later trade blades?

Any insight on the time frame of the hilts and / or blades?

Respectfully Requested
Johnny

FYI Johnny, Fort Antiques and Ibrahiim are one and the same.

[Richard G]

Johhny,

Thank you for the reply. I wonder if any other of our forumites have seen hilts like these, with a window opening on to the blade?

I also notice the ridges that extend down either side or the sheath element of the hilt look as if they could be welded on. Is this the case?

My guess is that the blades are the oldest parts of these swords and the hilts fitted to them sometime not too long ago, post WWII?

Regards
Richard