Hi Teodor,
This interesting sabre seems to be a composite Red Sea trade item that reminds me of the Bedouin sabres usually attributed to Palestinian regions in the early 19th century from Sinai to the Negev. The roughly fashioned silver metal hilt components resemble thier work, which has been added to one of the Zanzibar style guards you have mentioned. These have been classified as such by Charles Buttin in the catalog of his collection (Rumilly, 1933, examples 998-1002) and are shown as 17th-18th century, though most of the ones I have seen are distinctly 19th century. I do recall that a large number of these were indeed discovered in an old armoury in Yemen some years ago.
On your hilt, the knucklegard appears to have been broken off.
The blade appears to be one of the blades supplied to Abyssinia (Ethiopia) in the early 20th century, mostly pre 1930's, and the Lion of Judah on the forte is consistant, as well as the initials. It seems the MK is familiar but I'll have to look for notes....hopefully Roanoa or Jeff. D. will have something on that.
The crudely scribed six point star I would agree is an attempt to simulate the Wilkinson proof surround, but this is a Solingen blade from what I can see, especially with those etched initials.
These Bedouin sabres were definitely working weapons, especially in those days, and this one looks soundly put together.......lots of history in the sum of the parts!
All the best,
Jim
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