Help to identify this African(?) knife

[Michael Blalock]

There are two Yemeni coins. A 1/8 Riyal and 1/10 Riyal. I would bet this is newer than the coins. Could have been made in Ethiopia or Eritrea but I'm more inclined to think this is more recently put together in Yemen since the 1970's.

[Helleri]

I believe the hilt and scabbard work is done in nickle-silver. True silver tends to tarnish with a much wider range of hues (dependent on chemical exposure over time and alloying). Whereas this only seems to have a black tarnish (suggests high nickle content). This also presents in sheen as mild yellow-green (that's your copper and tin displaying a bit).

To be clear Nickle-silver contains no actual silver (usually). It is a white brass that mimics the appearance of silver to some degree. It's actually a superior and very common material worldwide for this sort of highly detailed work.

Question: Does the metal have an acrid/sour/spicy odor?

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Here's a coin I found similar~ 1372 AH, Yemen Arab Republic, 1/8 Rial, Islamic Arabic Silver Coin. Denomination : 1/8 Rial. Dated : 1372 AH (1952 AD). Calendar : Islamic. Shape : Hexagonal With 5 Sided. Composition : Silver.

like this below

[Helleri]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Here's a coin I found similar~ 1372 AH, Yemen Arab Republic, 1/8 Rial, Islamic Arabic Silver Coin. Denomination : 1/8 Rial. Dated : 1372 AH (1952 AD). Calendar : Islamic. Shape : Hexagonal With 5 Sided. Composition : Silver.

like this below

That would be Pentagonal :P

[shayde78]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Here's a coin I found similar~ 1372 AH, Yemen Arab Republic, 1/8 Rial, Islamic Arabic Silver Coin. Denomination : 1/8 Rial. Dated : 1372 AH (1952 AD). Calendar : Islamic. Shape : Hexagonal With 5 Sided. Composition : Silver.

like this below

Outstanding directive work! Thank you

[shayde78]

I've just remembered...I never received feedback regarding the inscription:

Does it indeed read "Be merciful to those around you"?
And, is it in the Algerian/Moroccan dialect?

[shayde78]

Originally Posted by shayde78

I've just remembered...I never received feedback regarding the inscription:

Does it indeed read "Be merciful to those around you"?
And, is it in the Algerian/Moroccan dialect?

Was curious if the above translation of the inscription is at all accurate, and if the dialect can lend clues to region of origin.

[Edster]

My guess the silver is from salvaged coins, a common practice by silversmiths. The Maria Theresa thaler, common in Arabia in 19th & early 20 c., was .833 silver & .166 copper. The silver sheath and the Omani coin have a similar patina. Also, I tested the silver on my better kaskara sword grips and they indicated color (brown) about 80%. You can order a inexpensive silver testing solution on-line. Not all that precise, but will give you a ballpark.

Ed

[shayde78]

Originally Posted by Helleri

I believe the hilt and scabbard work is done in nickle-silver. True silver tends to tarnish with a much wider range of hues (dependent on chemical exposure over time and alloying). Whereas this only seems to have a black tarnish (suggests high nickle content). This also presents in sheen as mild yellow-green (that's your copper and tin displaying a bit).

To be clear Nickle-silver contains no actual silver (usually). It is a white brass that mimics the appearance of silver to some degree. It's actually a superior and very common material worldwide for this sort of highly detailed work.

Question: Does the metal have an acrid/sour/spicy odor?

Thank you for this info. Yes, I believe it is German silver (is that the same thing?). Funny that you mention the smell...this does NOT have the smell, but the koummya in the one picture of the auction lot does have that sour smell. What does the smell indicate??