[QUOTE=LOUIEBLADES]Did anyone here notice that the fullers are on only one side and seem to run the length of the blade? Kaskaras have either one wide central fuller or three thin fullers in the center of the blade. So I still say it's Indian or at least was made for the Indian market. I can see now this could have been a European trade blade that was meant to be exported to India but some how was rerouted to the Sudan?
Click on this link>
http://oriental-arms.com/photos.php?id=3445
You will see a standard European trade blade with cresent moons used on a tulwar so this proves my point that the reverse situation happened here on this kaskara.
Lew[/QUOTE
Actually David, Stephen and I were keyed to the fact that the fullers being on one side suggested this blade had been a backsword (single edged) blade of the type exported from Europe, and often found in India on the khanda (firangi). As David had noted, and you have observed, the centrally placed triple fullers are typical of African native blades of North Africa.
It seems we all agree this is likely a blade from India, with blade ground off back to correspond to the broadsword (DE) preference in kaskara country
As also noted earlier, the crescent (sickle) marks are uncommon appearing singly on North African swords, and usually occur on trade blades along with other familiar marks such as 'ANDREA FERARA' or others, with the term 'FRINGIA' or its variants more rarely being instances that come to mind.
The sickle mark was however, extremely common on firangi backsword (SE) blades, and this rather crudely applied mark suggests native rather than European made, though in interpretation of those blades.
This is most definitely an unusual example of modernly refurbished kaskara, that I remain convinced was from Darfur, with the most intriguing feature the use of the crude crossguard and rivet type affectation on its center. This is all the more interesting as it appears a vestigial application, apparantly having no structural purpose, and clear departure from the keenly tradition mounts used in these regions.
Well done Charles !!!!
All the best,
Jim