Takouba

Tatyana Dianova · 29th April 2011, 02:25 PM

I've got recently a lot consisting of several swords, among them this Takouba. All of the swords have old collector’s labels in German indicating where and when he has acquired them. On the Takouba label is written “April 84”, and what I believe “Tuareg Schwert” (Tuareg Sword).
The Takouba was definitely in use (I mean carried along :-); it was neglected once, but cleaned and sharpened again. The blade is relatively thin and looks hand forged.
Any more information and comments are more than welcome

Tatyana Dianova · 29th April 2011, 02:27 PM

More detailed pictures

Iain · 29th April 2011, 02:43 PM

I would label this Tuareg for sure. I doubt it is earlier than the 1960s. If the collection label corresponds to April of 1984 that would more or less be what I would expect.

The stacked pommel, with squared off edges is characteristic of later work, usually the last 30 years. The blade is native, and features the typical rough fullers, it may be sourced from a car spring. The triangular metal supports on the scabbard are also typical of newer work - older swords typically have round, brass rings.

Hopefully that's helpful.

All the best,

Iain

Tatyana Dianova · 29th April 2011, 09:16 PM

Thank you very much Iain!

DaveA · 6th May 2011, 10:00 PM

I found this to be valuable in learning about the takouba:

http://www.vikingsword.com/ethsword/takouba/index.html

Tatyana Dianova · 9th May 2011, 08:43 AM

DaveA: I have read the article, but one needs a specialist when it comes to the opinion on the definite sword :-)

29th April 2011, 02:25 PM	#1
Tatyana Dianova Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 700	Takouba I've got recently a lot consisting of several swords, among them this Takouba. All of the swords have old collector’s labels in German indicating where and when he has acquired them. On the Takouba label is written “April 84”, and what I believe “Tuareg Schwert” (Tuareg Sword). The Takouba was definitely in use (I mean carried along :-); it was neglected once, but cleaned and sharpened again. The blade is relatively thin and looks hand forged. Any more information and comments are more than welcome Attached Images

29th April 2011, 02:27 PM	#2
Tatyana Dianova Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 700	More detailed pictures Attached Images

6th May 2011, 10:00 PM	#5
DaveA Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 413	Resource for Takouba I found this to be valuable in learning about the takouba: http://www.vikingsword.com/ethsword/takouba/index.html

29th April 2011, 02:43 PM	#3
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,693	I would label this Tuareg for sure. I doubt it is earlier than the 1960s. If the collection label corresponds to April of 1984 that would more or less be what I would expect. The stacked pommel, with squared off edges is characteristic of later work, usually the last 30 years. The blade is native, and features the typical rough fullers, it may be sourced from a car spring. The triangular metal supports on the scabbard are also typical of newer work - older swords typically have round, brass rings. Hopefully that's helpful. All the best, Iain

29th April 2011, 09:16 PM	#4
Tatyana Dianova Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 700	Thank you very much Iain!

9th May 2011, 08:43 AM	#6
Tatyana Dianova Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 700	DaveA: I have read the article, but one needs a specialist when it comes to the opinion on the definite sword :-)