Tuareg swords

[Radar Cutlery]

Greeting to everyone. Today I became so exited over a sword I have had for many years. It was found on a demolition job and given to me as a gift. This has now been found to be a Tuareg sword. I would like to find more out about this blade but not sure where to find the markings and what nots. The sheath is in bad shape but still shows what appears to be snakes on it. The buttle is three periomides blungeted together. If someone can give me some more info on this subject, my email is radarr@spellsweeper.biz

[RhysMichael]

http://www.aiusa.com/medsword/ethsword/takouba/index.html
Here is a good start then others here will certainly have some information but pictures would help

[ariel]

Greeting to everyone. Today I became so exited over a sword I have had for many years. It was found on a demolition job and given to me as a gift. This has now been found to be a Tuareg sword. I would like to find more out about this blade but not sure where to find the markings and what nots. The sheath is in bad shape but still shows what appears to be snakes on it. The buttle is three periomides blungeted together. If someone can give me some more info on this subject, my email is radarr@spellsweeper.biz

Pics would help very much. Also, what do you mean by "buttle being three periomides blungeted together"? :confused: Sounds like something from Carrol's "Alice's Adventures in the Wonderland". :D

[Radar Cutlery]

http://www.spellsweeper.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_kkkkk.jpg

http://www.spellsweeper.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_kkkkkkkkkkkkk.jpg

http://www.spellsweeper.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_kkkkkkkk.jpg


http://http://www.spellsweeper.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_ppppppppppp.jpg
Here are some diferent views of this blade. Thank you. The comment earlier was the pommul not ment to be the buttle. The pommul has been blungented to secure the three peramids,

[ariel]

As Charlie Chan used to say " Ah, so..."
It is a Tuareg Takouba.

[Yannis]

It is a takuba, yes. I have the idea that the tip of the scabbard is missing ???? I strongly suggest some oil. Are there any marks on the blade?

[Radar Cutlery]

Thank you for the replies. The remaining portians of the scabberd are in fair shape less the straps and yes, the tip is missing. What oils and which parts do I apply it too. What would something like this sell for? We would like to keep it till we are to old to care then give it to our child as an antique if it is an antique? Most of the older knives I deal with are pocket knives and our local campuse smart guy didn't know what this was. He suggested it was a sword from england replicated in someones shop. Yes, there is a small sort of moon shape on one side of the blood groove. I couldn't find another due to the rusted pits. I have metal glow but am affraid to use on the blade with out knowing much about it. Most of the handles has come apart so far as the leather material, same with the hilt. If some one could tell me the proper way to clean it up so I can look for other markings on the blade. Have had it on my office wall for five or six years. Radarr

[Yannis]

You can clean the blade with an oil against rust, like WD40. Put some on, leave it few minutes, sweep it with a cloth, repeat it if it is nessasery. It is difficult to tell how old a takuba is. There are few people in sub Sahara regions who still wear it! Yours could be late 19th early 20th century like the most examples.

[Radar Cutlery]

Thank you for the help. Is it worth anything or should I sell it as just something for someone to collect? Or keep it for a wall hanger? Radarr

[Andrew]

Radar, it is against the forum rules to provide appraisals. Feel free to contact a member privately via PM or email with this request, however.

[pakana]

this blade looks so much with medieval swords,like longsword(although this is much smaller).Someone there with more info?Is it possible for the Tuareg to be influenced by western swordsmiths of medieval era?

[Rick]

We have a great searchable database that can be found at the top of the page . Try using words like *takouba* and *taureg* . :)