unknown sabre, possibly North Africa

[A.alnakkas]

Originally Posted by Wodimi

Dear members, maybe somebody can help me with this sabre and know what it is or have seen a similar sabre. The wooden scabbard, covered with leather, is for me typical African work. The handle have little similarities to a Flissa handle. The star marks on the blade could be from Morocco.
I would be very happy if somebody have an idea.
Thanks.

An authentic Yemeni sword. Of lower quality iron mounts but with a good trade blade and what looks like a solid hilt. These are readily available compared to the other ones with finer and older mounts but still nice to own.

[ariel]

Agree 100%

[Wodimi]

thanks friends, that was quick. With this help I found also an old thread with a similar sword.
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=15084

[Jim McDougall]

This Yemeni form seems to follow the 'karabela' hilt form in a more stylized manner (the left sword in the photo of three) which resembles the stylized trilobate silver repousse hilts of Hadhramaut (third photo).

The blade is of German trade blade form and the stars in configuration seems either a variation or interpretation of the Schimmelbusch maker group of 19th century. Similar markings with stars are seen on some of the so called "Zanzibar' nimcha blades as well.

The heavy, 'hatchet' point was favored throughout 19th c. in Arabia and into the early 20th.
Ive always considered these Arabian swords attractive and fascinating.

The entries on Schimmelbusch markings from Bezdek (2000).