Another Kattara
 

I'll admit, it's a nice sword, but WOW!! Maybe it's the dollar vs. Euro.

http://cgi.liveauctions.ebay.com/ws/...m=180101179323

It is amazing how similar this type of Kattara are to each other. This one looks to have been sharpened alot. I have an extra blade I could sell to the owner for a few thousand.

Fantastic handle. That is probably where the money went. Boy! what a lot of money. It looks as thought it may be 18th century.

Indeed, alot of money....bearing in mind there is also a 22.5% buyer's tax ;) that increases the winning cost to approx $12000 :eek: Surely its not worth that much :shrug:

It might be if you are rich and building a collection. You will not see another for some time. I would only want to pay £500 :o :D :D :D :shrug:

One query I do have about this sword is the small cross guard and down turned quillions....I thought all Kattara, other than being Omani, have just the handle and pommel and are therefore 'guardless' :confused:

Like in the book :p sorry I could not help myself. :eek:

I would say that when it comes to these swords, a serious collector should be ready shell out some money ;) They do not pass your computer screen daily ;)

Katana, This is of a type like the one in this photo from an earlier post. I have seen photos of several. To me, they look to be all the same hilt. They all have these same quillions with the holes. Not very decorative either. It makes you wonder if they may have once had some type of gold cladding or other material that was removed or came off.

This earlier form kattara is easily recognizable from Elgoods "Arms and Armour of Arabia", and granted, they are relatively hard to find...however I cannot imagine they would warrant that kind of money!!! When a collector is desperate to have a certain item, and impatient or believes he will never again see one of these appear on the market.....they will easily use whatever resources they have to acquire something . A good axiom to remember is to consider trying to sell the item in a year or two. Its amazing the depreciation on 'rare' but not especially high quality items.....you thoughts cars were bad!!!! :)

All the best,
Jim