African Knife with hardstone pommel

templarnight · 26th May 2012, 08:16 PM

Hi
Can anyone help ID this Knife.
Im guessing North Africa? The Handle has two hardstone 'Beads', one of which has been inlaid with a Gold decoration.
Im unfamiliar with this type of Handle and would appreciate any help.
Many thanks

Rick · 26th May 2012, 08:25 PM

I'm going to guess this is a made up hilt .

Lew · 27th May 2012, 12:18 AM

The upper part of the hilt is not original to the dagger. See attached pic from Gav's post.

Kipinga50 · 27th May 2012, 02:57 AM

Hi Templarnight,
Your dagger is originally from Sudan, its crocodile sheath is typical of the work of South Sudanese. Its handle has not necessarily been modificated because this type of freestyle work was very common , and these weapons was not all stereotyped as some believe some collectors who rely on their books.

Lew · 27th May 2012, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kipinga50

Hi Templarnight,
Your dagger is originally from Sudan, its crocodile sheath is typical of the work of South Sudanese. Its handle has not necessarily been modificated because this type of freestyle work was very common , and these weapons was not all stereotyped as some believe some collectors who rely on their books.

Hi Kapinga

I must disagree I have about two dozen Sudanese daggers from the northern and southern areas of the country and have seen at least one hundred others over the last twenty or so years. None of them had these stone pommels except for those sold to persons who traveled for pleasure back in the first quarter of the 20th century. The dagger in question probably had the hilt damaged and some local dealer had it repaired at some point. The blade seems to be of good quality but I concerned about the scabbard usually these scabbards are more for show and not warrior related. The other theory is that these were some type of ceremonial dagger but I have my doubts

.

Lew

Tim Simmons · 27th May 2012, 08:48 AM

Unusual yes. Not original??? I would want to say for sure. I cannot see why the original makers and I say makers as I do not think the smith would have been capable of making the whole thing. The scabbard, handle and probably the engraving are likely to have been done by other specialists. I would agree that it does not look 19th century but worn as dress, I see no reason why the makers did not think they were making a really cool and fancy piece.

26th May 2012, 08:16 PM	#1
templarnight Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 87	African Knife with hardstone pommel Hi Can anyone help ID this Knife. Im guessing North Africa? The Handle has two hardstone 'Beads', one of which has been inlaid with a Gold decoration. Im unfamiliar with this type of Handle and would appreciate any help. Many thanks Attached Images

27th May 2012, 12:18 AM	#3
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	The upper part of the hilt is not original to the dagger. See attached pic from Gav's post. Attached Images Last edited by Lew; 27th May 2012 at 12:31 AM.

26th May 2012, 08:25 PM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,293	I'm going to guess this is a made up hilt .

27th May 2012, 02:57 AM	#4
Kipinga50 Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Sao Vicente Posts: 28	Hi Templarnight, Your dagger is originally from Sudan, its crocodile sheath is typical of the work of South Sudanese. Its handle has not necessarily been modificated because this type of freestyle work was very common , and these weapons was not all stereotyped as some believe some collectors who rely on their books.

27th May 2012, 08:48 AM	#6
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	Unusual yes. Not original??? I would want to say for sure. I cannot see why the original makers and I say makers as I do not think the smith would have been capable of making the whole thing. The scabbard, handle and probably the engraving are likely to have been done by other specialists. I would agree that it does not look 19th century but worn as dress, I see no reason why the makers did not think they were making a really cool and fancy piece.