Thanks Martin,
I like this word "takoubology" and think I will start using it more!
Jim,
Great catch! I forgot about that sword! I'm attaching an image here for thread readers. You are certainly right about it being worthwhile to revisit sources.
I have ordered the French book mentioned by Briggs. I would guess these are then from the Hoggar Tuareg as the French source focuses on objects from this region. Hopefully I can confirm once the book arrives.
A great point on the weapons themselves being the history. This is something that I always try to explain as the motivating factor for my very narrow field of collecting. The interesting thing for me, is that far from becoming more narrow over the years, the nature of these swords seem to forever broaden the further you look into them in any detail!