Hi Stephen,
This is one of the central fuller type blades often seen on kaskara, and does correspond to European trade blade forms, but I doubt the 17th century suggestion. Naturally further research or close examination of the blade in hand might reveal more.
It is hard to see from the photos, but the etching would correspond loosely to the acid etched broad stroke 'thuluth' calligraphy applied as motif during the Mahdist period on not only kaskara, but many of the weapons from the arsenals, especially Khartoum. It would be interesting to compare the etching here with the Mahdist examples.
Thanks again for sharing these kaskara subjects.
Best regards,
Jim
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