Nice engravings on a Kaskara

[Marcus]

A serpent, moons, suns, and an arabic inscription:

"If Allah should aid you, no one can over come you, no win but from Allah, Allah akbar"
Quran -ali imran 160

[Oliver Pinchot]

That is an unusually nice example, congrats.
This is etching, not engraving. It's an important distinction.

[Martin Lubojacky]

Congratulations. Also scabbard is nice - it is rare to find it with the typical and complete (with trappings) belt. I am of the opinion that such dilute whity crocodile skin is sign of a pretty good age.

[Marcus]

My translator adds more information on the inscription:
" if Allah should aid you, no one can overcome you" -Ali imran 160
وما النصر الا من عند الله العزيز الحكيم
"Victory cometh only by the help of Allah the mighty, wise" -Al anfal 10
الله اكبر
"Allah is great"

[fernando]

Sorry for ignorance; isn't the inscription in the inverted position ? :o .

[Jim McDougall]

Beautiful blade!
As always, I would defer to Iain on whether European or not, but I am inclined to think it is one of the 19th c. imports from Solingen, and inscribed by Sudanese artisans. The profuse motif with serpent (representing the python) and the crescent moons in linear and varied configuration have to do with the devotional panels (lohr) in the Islamic Faith along with the folk religious traditions (Briggs, 1967).
The mounts and guard seem typical Kasallawi of more recent times, which is characteristic of heirloom blades refurbished many times through generations. The pale crocodile skin is of the belly and also typical of the hide used in sword decoration from Darfur and into eastern Sudanese areas.

Fantastic example!! Look and compare with other great discussions on these over many years by using our search feature at the top header. Tons of information is archived on these and virtually all sword forms and will add incredible dimension to the appreciation of these weapons.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Sorry for ignorance; isn't the inscription in the inverted position ? :o .

Indeed it is upside down so either turn the set upside down or enact the more dangerous head stand made the more dangerous at tea time. Just as the table is set there is a terrible crashing sound and screaming from dog, cat and housemaid ... The author covered in cream and hot tea and as if apologies were needed pointing to the computer and uttering the words...translation...upside down...sorry... :shrug:

For me these are great pictures and using Library noted by Jim (Search) this can be a great thread.

[Marcus]

image corrected

[fernando]

:cool:

[VANDOO]

AN IMPRESSIVE SWORD AND NO DOUBT THE SWORDSMAN WAS WELL VERSED TOO. :) IT APPEARS TO ME THE INSCRIPTION AND DECORATION IS CUT INTO THE BLADE,( ENGRAVED ) RATHER THAN ETCHED WITH ACID. ITS VERY WELL DONE EITHER WAY.

[Marcus]

My many thanks to Artzi from Oriental arms for releasing this beautiful sword to me from his private collection.

[Marcus]

Estimates on how old anyone?

[Kubur]

Estimates on how old anyone?

Hi Marcus
look at this link
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=19794&highlight=moons+solingen
For me the blade and guard are old, 19th
the hilt and scabbard are recent, 20th

[Iain]

The guard looks to be a 20th century example in the Kassala style. A close up image would be helpful. The blade could be an import but I think is more likely a 20th century example.

[Marcus]

Pictures thereof

[Iain]

Thanks, the guard is certainly 20th century. The looks to be older and has had significant grinding at the base. Fullers look pretty good, could well be an import from the 19th century.

[Kubur]

I'm afraid to say that Iain is absolutely right, the guard is recent like the scabbard. I'm sure that the European blade is old 18 or 19th c. and the stamps look geniune. The African engravings are of a very good quality and there is not reason to doubt of the blade.

[Edster]

Super sword! The blade appears that it may be older than the engraving. It looks to me that the engraving is cut over some older blade pitting and has not been distorted by subsequent scratches. Also, it appears that a portion on the central fuller has been smoothed away to give a surface for it Arabic text.

The two crescent moons are more likely a local maker's mart and not part of the subsequent engraving. That would suggest a locally made blade with forged fullers. I can't hazard where and when the sword was made, but due to the grip and scabbard decorations it was finally outfitted in the Nile Valley region.

Best,
Ed