kaskara konundrum

Jim McDougall · 25th January 2009, 04:18 PM

Thanks Lew, and in looking at this again, and again, the more I sense this is possibly European, and as always in most cases with blades of the period I am presuming for this one, end of the 18th to earlier 19th, probably Solingen. With the mark apparantly well struck, despite being somewhat worn, as to be expected, this blade seems anything but village work, despite the fact that the African blades were often quite good. As I had earlier mentioned, these 'sickle/eyelash/hogsback' etc. marks were uncommon in Africa as used here, as far as I know, and again, the single edge blade was not preferred in North African swords of this full length type. Broadswords were however, which is why this was ground down at the back, a dramatically unusual case which seems to correspond to the equally unusual characteristics on the guard.

It is not surprising to consider that a blade that perhaps arrived in North Africa in trade originating in India, and moved transcontinent westward, would suggest possible influence from artisans there in its mounts. Trade did not only exchange commodities, but all manner of socialization and influence.For a Sudanese artisan to adopt style seen on Indian sword examples or for an immigrant Indian worker to apply his own interpretation to a sword being refurbished for a Fur tribesman, does not seem at all far fetched, especially in the ever diversifying modern world.

Norman, thank you for the follow up on that tulwar hilt! I do remember that, and it really is helpful to have that detail for further reference. Since I do not have weapons to handle physically, it is great to have such great detail to examine closely.

All very best regards,
Jim

25th January 2009, 04:18 PM	#17
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,593	Thanks Lew, and in looking at this again, and again, the more I sense this is possibly European, and as always in most cases with blades of the period I am presuming for this one, end of the 18th to earlier 19th, probably Solingen. With the mark apparantly well struck, despite being somewhat worn, as to be expected, this blade seems anything but village work, despite the fact that the African blades were often quite good. As I had earlier mentioned, these 'sickle/eyelash/hogsback' etc. marks were uncommon in Africa as used here, as far as I know, and again, the single edge blade was not preferred in North African swords of this full length type. Broadswords were however, which is why this was ground down at the back, a dramatically unusual case which seems to correspond to the equally unusual characteristics on the guard. It is not surprising to consider that a blade that perhaps arrived in North Africa in trade originating in India, and moved transcontinent westward, would suggest possible influence from artisans there in its mounts. Trade did not only exchange commodities, but all manner of socialization and influence.For a Sudanese artisan to adopt style seen on Indian sword examples or for an immigrant Indian worker to apply his own interpretation to a sword being refurbished for a Fur tribesman, does not seem at all far fetched, especially in the ever diversifying modern world. Norman, thank you for the follow up on that tulwar hilt! I do remember that, and it really is helpful to have that detail for further reference. Since I do not have weapons to handle physically, it is great to have such great detail to examine closely. All very best regards, Jim