Rick,
Excellent observations!! You are right on target noting the similarity to Indian bird head khanjar hilts with distinct beak protrusion. These occur on Indian short swords, with most seeming to originate in northern regions, particularly Rajasthan. The blades are of varying length and form, some are serpentine(nagan) with shikargar (hunting scene) motif and some are about 22" with sosun pattah blade and reinforced armor piercing point.
I also agree with your note on the Moroccan motif. It is interesting that the scabbard carries both side mount carrying rings as well as an opposite ring at scabbard throat in Arabian favored baldric style. These baldric mounts are most typical for the Moroccan 'khoummya' daggers. The high relief motif on the scabbard also suggests the 'agrab' (scorpion) talismanic symbolism found on many Arabian scabbard mounts. Many of these were manufactured in India, typically Hyderabad, for export to Arabia.
The trade routes that prevailed between India's Malabar Coast, the Red Sea and the Maghreb were long established and account for the diffusion of considerable weapon forms.
The presence of Sephardic Jews of course were well established in Morocco from early times after fleeing Spain. They were outstanding artisans who were known for brilliant workmanship on weapons mountings, and were also trade merchants who travelled with Saharan caravans. It would not be unreasonable to consider such a weapon as this mounted in Morocco and influenced by the khanjar form hilts from India. While not actually a Jewish sword, it may well have been crafted by a Jewish artisan and traded by that community.
Tim,
Could you please note the location of the material in Spring on the birdhead pommel you mention?
Yannis,
Excellent note on the kopis!!
VVV:
There is often considerable difficulty and constant debate about the application of specific terms to certain weapons. It becomes even more complicated when a weapon is hybridized or outside its presumed cultural sphere. In this case, pending more conclusive research, it would be most safe to rely on description more than specific names, thus short sabre or hanger from Morocco with Indian khanjar form hilt.
Best regards,
Jim
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