Help ID - Algeria?

[DaveA]

Hello All,

I acquired this dagger/short sword last year and I'm just now getting around to figuring out what it is. The seller suggested it might be Algerian. It doesn't look like anything Berber that I've seen. It doesn't seem particularly old. The blade is well made solid in the hilt.

Your thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

Dave A.

[Sajen]

Hi Dave,

it is Algerian indeed so far I know and I agree with you that it isn't very old.

Regards,
Detlef

[BBJW]

Agreed as to not being very old. Algerian or Moroccan, I believe it shows European influence.- bj

[Kubur]

Hi,

It's Algerian, very much like the so-called weeding-flyssa.
They are short swords with flyssa blades and nimcha hilts.
Your dagger is an Algerian version of the Morrocan sboula...
Not very old, 1900-1962.

Kubur

[fernando]

... I believe it shows European influence.- bj
The blade, yes :o .

[Sajen]

It's Algerian, very much like the so-called weeding-flyssa.
They are short swords with flyssa blades and nimcha hilts.
Your dagger is an Algerian version of the Morrocan sboula...
Not very old, 1900-1962.

Yes, I agree with everything, also with the dating, first half of the 20th century.

Regards,
Detlef

[DaveA]

Thank you all. This weapon may not be particularly newsworthy, but it is a good knife to hold and to admire. I’ve no doubt it could do very good service if called upon. Sometimes a well made blade stands on its own, and this is often as much as anyone can ask.

Dave A

[colin henshaw]

Interesting to see the cross form finial to the hilt. This of course, is also a form to be found in Berber and Tuareg work, sometimes called "Cross of Agadez".