An Old Masai Seme....I'm not so certain

katana · 23rd September 2008, 01:03 PM

The Seme has arrived ...and is better than I thought

Hand forged with a nice tempered blade which is still quite sharp (no evidence of recent honing either) The 'forte' is 6 sided (almost diamond cross section with two of the opposing 'angles' that are flattened 5mm) The blade 'thickness' then gradually decreases as the blade width widens. The last 40% of the blade it's thickness is decreased significantly (as the blade is widened)

The wire used in the handle is cable which has been covered in leather (which follows the 'contours' of the wire below. The tang is slightly exposed at the end.

Although the handle is useable, I can't help feeling that this was likely used two handed by gripping the forte.
There is a nice patina to the blade and although the handle seems to have had a repair...it looks as if this was done quite awhile ago.

Would late 19th C early 20th C be likely?

Please any info / comments greatly appreciated, thankyou

Regards David

katana · 25th September 2008, 06:47 PM

Hi
sorry to 'bump' the thread, but has anyone any idea about this Seme. I still have doubts that this is Masai. Spring's "African arms and armour" has little information, and Stone's " A glossary....arms and armour..." also has only a 'basic' description.

Any further info. would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

Regards David

Tim Simmons · 25th September 2008, 06:53 PM

It might be a Tutsi or Hutu version of what we know as a Seme?

23rd September 2008, 01:03 PM	#1
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	The Seme has arrived ...and is better than I thought Hand forged with a nice tempered blade which is still quite sharp (no evidence of recent honing either) The 'forte' is 6 sided (almost diamond cross section with two of the opposing 'angles' that are flattened 5mm) The blade 'thickness' then gradually decreases as the blade width widens. The last 40% of the blade it's thickness is decreased significantly (as the blade is widened) The wire used in the handle is cable which has been covered in leather (which follows the 'contours' of the wire below. The tang is slightly exposed at the end. Although the handle is useable, I can't help feeling that this was likely used two handed by gripping the forte. There is a nice patina to the blade and although the handle seems to have had a repair...it looks as if this was done quite awhile ago. Would late 19th C early 20th C be likely? Please any info / comments greatly appreciated, thankyou Regards David Attached Images

25th September 2008, 06:47 PM	#2
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Hi sorry to 'bump' the thread, but has anyone any idea about this Seme. I still have doubts that this is Masai. Spring's "African arms and armour" has little information, and Stone's " A glossary....arms and armour..." also has only a 'basic' description. Any further info. would be greatly appreciated, thank you. Regards David

25th September 2008, 06:53 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,866	It might be a Tutsi or Hutu version of what we know as a Seme?