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Originally Posted by Jim McDougall
This is another amazing find Iain!!!
It is so heartening to see these blades still serving for not only generations but centuries!! It leads to wondering just how long it had been in the Taureg sphere. Was it among those early shipments of blades which came into the Sahara via trade routes described in the Briggs (1965) reference?
What is the estimated vintage of the hilt now in situ?
So many questions, and it perfectly exemplifys how Briggs brought forth one of the treasured sources of early European blades and makers often referred to in that field of study, via the conduit of Saharan swords. His work stands solid as one of the valuable resources on these blades in Africa.
It is interesting seeing this upper centrally situated fuller, to about 1/3 of the blade or slightly longer, as well as the application of the globus cruciger on one side and running wolf in the other, and in latten as often discussed.
A perfect benchmark in the study of these European blades, and how native imitations followed in later centuries.
Thank you for sharing this!!!
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The hilt I'm confident is 18 or early 19th century work.
The blade likely came into the North African Ottoman sphere very early via alexandria. I would guess in the 16th century where it remained. Shipments from Europe were frequent despite papal bans. 😉