Just wanted to add some comments on this item, which indeed appears a well made sword and not a tourist item. It should be made clear that the sword has nothing to do with the Sudan, nor the Tuaregs, although its mountings suggest the Manding of Mali and contiguous western Saharan regions. The trappings seen on the scabbard including the familiar semi globed discs are characteristic of Manding sabres, typically mounted with 19th century European sabre blades, most often French. Obviously there has been considerable volume of French surplus blades in these regions from the occupation there.
I agree with the assessment that this sword is probably mounted within about the 50 year range and seems similar to certain stirrup hilted sabres I have seen being used by paramilitary factions and militia in West African regions in relatively recent media articles. While it is known that edged weapons are often still used in these regions, swords with elaborate mounts such as this seem to have possibly been intended as regalia. The stirrup hilt knuckleguard is of course based on traditional European sabres.
It has always been interesting to me that for the discriminating collector or student of edged weapons, the age of a weapon is not always a key denominator. In many cultures, edged weapons remain actively used and not just traditional symbols. It must be remembered that in relatively recent times the sword remained a key combat weapon in places such as Arabia, the Sahara, and obviously in many other instances as late as WWII and the present.
Best regards,
Jim
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