West African saber?

Jim McDougall · 2nd May 2014, 04:15 AM

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.

Iain · 2nd May 2014, 11:57 AM

Quote:

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 · 2nd May 2014, 02:43 PM

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 · 2nd May 2014, 03:46 PM

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

Jim McDougall · 2nd May 2014, 08:51 PM

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 · 2nd May 2014, 09:37 PM

Quote:

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 · 2nd May 2014, 11:28 PM

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.

2nd May 2014, 02:43 PM	#3
blue lander Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 456	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. Attached Images

2nd May 2014, 11:28 PM	#7
blue lander Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 456	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. Attached Images

2nd May 2014, 04:15 AM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	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.

2nd May 2014, 03:46 PM	#4
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,708	I would agree that's not a mark but rather just a surface scratch or aberration in the steel.

2nd May 2014, 08:51 PM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	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.