Help identify

[Kirk]

Hello all. I've come to appreciate the expertise and analytical nature of the members of this forum. And I believe only you can help me.

I purchased this short sword a few months ago on ebay. The blade measures 17 1/4 inches and 25 3/8 overall. Its pommel is similar to the those found in swords and daggers from the Mandara Mountains, except for a small nub at its tip. Maybe used for tying a tassel to it. The blade is also adorned with etchings which I believe were done by hand (the lines are irregular).


I'll post more images of the blade soon.

[A.alnakkas]

Bump

Interesting dagger. I'd wait for Iain's opinion ;-)

[Atlantia]

Nice Dagger. I'd guess possibly Tebu?

[Kirk]

Its length and weight reflects the attributes of a short sword. I first thought Tebu as well, but the pommel seems too round and the point, not really a point at all.

[Atlantia]

Its length and weight reflects the attributes of a short sword. I first thought Tebu as well, but the pommel seems too round and the point, not really a point at all.


Indeed. If it's tebu it's somewhat atypical, but I do love these anomalies!
Or if it's a variation of this type of dagger from the Tuareg(?) then it's still an interesting variation with the ususual grip.

[Iain]

The style is found among several ethnic groups so personally I wouldn't be able to offer a precise attribution based off of these photos.

The use of a metal rather than leather grip is interesting and reflects some of the styling of takouba. Of particular interest in terms of dating this, the guard and pommel base appear to be aluminium? Quick thoughts would be 20th century.

Overall its a very attractive piece with some unusual characteristics. The nub is not particularly unusual, I've seen it quite a few times before. As time permits I will try to dig around for some photos of other pieces I've seen with this over the years.