Interesting takouba

[Marc M.]

Ok, again I hope not to bore you guys, but I think I bought an interesting takouba. In the search for info for the purchase, I came across a post from 2012 by Mauro who posted a takouba with a great blade from the 17th/ 18th century and a local interpretation of a rain guard, something not yet or rarely seen on a takouba. The second detail about this takouba is that the handle is wrapped with brass wire. Ian Norman once had a takouba like this with a handle wrapped with brass wire and said that was the only one he ever came across. Since I use the forum a lot in my research work I remembered seeing these details here but have not seen both details on one takouba.
The blade is steel, good flex but y doubt it is European. The fullers are not as tightly forged, the dukaris are very simple and probably local made. Would like your thoughts on this takouba. Maybe Ian will pick up on this post and share his thoughts.
Best regards
Marc

[TVV]

There is nothing boring about this post. Congratulations on another excellent acquisition. Both the rain guard (?) and the brass wire are unusual, but you have done a great job finding similar examples. Yours is in great condition, with the wire still tight and complete with a scabbard.

While the blade may be a local one, this still looks like an old 19th century or early 20th century takouba and these are never easy to find. How does the rain guard, or whatever it is, fit when the sword is in its scabbard?

[Marc M.]

Hi Teodor Thanks for your response, the little interesting is meant slightly ironically, I try to post objects interesting enough to contribute to the forum. Takouba's brought more interest a few years ago than today and new posts are rarer.
Back to the takouba, the scabbard is in poor condition, and is very limp and cracked in 3 places. The sword does not go all the way into the scabbard, the last 16cm does not go in. The seller told me that the sword was stuck in the scabbard when purchased. It took a lot of effort to get it out and the blade was rusted considerably. In what way he got the sword out I don't know but can imagine there was some damage to the scabbard. Sheath looks old to me. your estimate is similar to what I have in mind.

Best regards
Marc

[Iain]

Looks like a local blade and a late 19th century hilting.

I've seen about 4-5 of these now with the rain guard feature, seems to be something that was in fashion for a short period and likely in a particular region. The one I had the mounts seemed to be Tuareg, but I have to admit it was quite some years ago and I don't recall it in great detail.

Marc, you have a PM from me.

[Marc M.]

Originally Posted by TVV

There is nothing boring about this post. Congratulations on another excellent acquisition. Both the rain guard (?) and the brass wire are unusual, but you have done a great job finding similar examples. Yours is in great condition, with the wire still tight and complete with a scabbard.

While the blade may be a local one, this still looks like an old 19th century or early 20th century takouba and these are never easy to find. How does the rain guard, or whatever it is, fit when the sword is in its scabbard?

That's as far as the sword can go in the sheath.

[Marc M.]

Originally Posted by Iain

Looks like a local blade and a late 19th century hilting.

I've seen about 4-5 of these now with the rain guard feature, seems to be something that was in fashion for a short period and likely in a particular region. The one I had the mounts seemed to be Tuareg, but I have to admit it was quite some years ago and I don't recall it in great detail.

Marc, you have a PM from me.

Hi Ian
thanks for your response and dating. 4 or 5 ever seen, then I was a bit lucky to come across these. Glad to have another piece of history in the house.
I have replied to your email.

Regards
Marc