Unusual markings on a kaskara

[stephen wood]

I was recently sent these images by a fellow member of the Arms and Armour Society and cannot recall having seen the markings before.

Does anyone recognise them?

Many thanks

[Lew]

This symbol reminds me of the marks found on Omdurman arm daggers in my collection?

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4148&highlight=Sudanese+dagger

[Edster]

Stephen,

That mark is a new one on me. My guess is that it is an ethnographic marking, not European. One mark is near the cross guard's "down piece" while the other side is some 6 inches below the cross guard. That seems to deviate from a "factory" style mark. Other more experienced members may better comment on whether it is an imitation of a European style mark. Could be a "construction" using simpler punches as in Lew's magnificent arm dagger. Also, I like the apparently planned asymmetry. Looks a little like a human form and done on purpose, maybe using a broken punch.

Another good mystery!!

Best regards,
Ed

[Gavin Nugent]

There are similarities here;

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=14832

I'll cross post the threads

Gav

[Iain]

I'd agree with Ed, ethnographic mark, not European. Does not resemble anything I recognize from European stamps. The geometric form reminds me a bit of Ethiopian architecture, but that is probably mere coincidence.

Certainly a mystery!

[David]

There are similarities here;

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=14832

I'll cross post the threads

Gav
That's the first thing that i thought of as well when i saw this post Gav. :)
Though i am doubtful that they have the same origins... :shrug: