Purchased this short sword about a year ago and have only seen one identical and one other comparable . Has the young crocodile sheath similar to that of some kaskaras. Ivory Dot/Circle rings and insets alike in some Sudanese arm daggers.
The blade does have a crude center fuller accompannying decorated scrolls and motif work. One side resides a bird and on the other a fish. Also there is some untranslated text, presumably Arabic (?). I am assuming that this is of mid-20th century/North Sudan provenance. I don't think it is a tourist piece
Would anybody be kind enough to (1) translate the text (2)be able to identify a more precise location in Sudan in regard to hilt design. From what I understand, this may originate Between Dongola due to the animal motifs and croc sheath, but also maybe of Kordofan as I see some influence in the pommel shape. Has anybody seen similar examples or have any further knowledge around this item?
Some past useful links:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...hlight=dongola
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...light=kordofan
http://oriental-arms.com/item.php?id=4114
Dimensions
Overall Length W/ Sheath: 26 ¾” (68cm)
Hilt & Blade Length: 22” (55.5cm)
Blade Length: 16 7/8” (42.3cm)
Thank You
-Geoff