These are the images of a Taurag-bladded English Officers Hilt sword that was discussed here some ages ago. I think that I was beguiled (at the time) with Burton's report of survivals of Crusader blades (suitably rehilted) among various middle eastern tribes. The consensus, I recall, was that there was a thriving trade between Europe and the mid east.
Anyhoo, here is the best reference that I have at hand:
Briggs, Lloyd Cabot
European Blades in Tuareg Swords and Daggers, Journal of the Arms and Armour Society, London 1965, V, 2 37-92.
