KASKARA for comments

thinreadline · 22nd October 2017, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helleri

While the scabbard is most definitely crocodile hide (looks to be side of lower back). The hide on the handle and guard is most likely monitor lizard (probably from the neck and leg of a Savannah monitor).

Yes I agree ... I thought perhaps Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus) or desert monitor, (Varanus griseus)

eftihis · 23rd October 2017, 06:13 PM

This one, which is very similar, has a date on it.

kronckew · 23rd October 2017, 07:04 PM

looks like 1298 hijiri, or 1881 in our reckoning. that would fit the UK's involvement in the sudan.

thinreadline · 23rd October 2017, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kronckew

looks like 1298 hijiri, or 1881 in our reckoning. that would fit the UK's involvement in the sudan.

Interestingly the panel containing the date on Eftihis ' example is almost identical except for the date ... here are close ups of mine for comparison ... is this a date on mine ? I cant decipher the 'numbers' .

kronckew · 23rd October 2017, 09:02 PM

could be, the numerals look a bit odd tho. may be just an illiterate etcher.

arabic is read right to left, except for numbers, which are read left to right.

could be 1229 with a backwards 9. which is 1813/14 in our calendar

here's a chart

thinreadline · 24th October 2017, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kronckew

could be, the numerals look a bit odd tho. may be just an illiterate etcher.

arabic is read right to left, except for numbers, which are read left to right.

could be 1229 with a backwards 9. which is 1813/14 in our calendar

here's a chart

Thanks ... but that seems a very early date doesnt it ?

Jim McDougall · 24th October 2017, 04:29 AM

I think Wayne is right, most likely a workman not quite literate or overly skilled in this work on the date. The kaskara as such and in these mounts were not really in use until around mid 1880s, and certainly not in early 19th century. If that date is correct, then it is more plausible this is a commemorative date, and quite possible given the character of this etched work and style.

thinreadline · 23rd October 2017, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eftihis

This one, which is very similar, has a date on it.

thank you for posting

23rd October 2017, 06:13 PM	#2
eftihis Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Chania Crete Greece Posts: 511	This one, which is very similar, has a date on it. Attached Images

23rd October 2017, 09:02 PM	#5
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,215	could be, the numerals look a bit odd tho. may be just an illiterate etcher. arabic is read right to left, except for numbers, which are read left to right. could be 1229 with a backwards 9. which is 1813/14 in our calendar here's a chart Attached Images Last edited by kronckew; 23rd October 2017 at 10:34 PM.

23rd October 2017, 07:04 PM	#3
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,215	looks like 1298 hijiri, or 1881 in our reckoning. that would fit the UK's involvement in the sudan.

24th October 2017, 04:29 AM	#7
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,190	I think Wayne is right, most likely a workman not quite literate or overly skilled in this work on the date. The kaskara as such and in these mounts were not really in use until around mid 1880s, and certainly not in early 19th century. If that date is correct, then it is more plausible this is a commemorative date, and quite possible given the character of this etched work and style.