While it's a little disappointing to find that our marking probably has nothing to do with the Mahdist uprising (which'd date the sword very nicely indeed, naturally), the mystery of what the design actually means is equally fascinating. One is inclined to wonder if there is any sort of trade directory for European swordsmiths of, say, the 16th and 17th centuries, which might enable one to discover (with a fair dose of conjecture) which blade-maker's mark was "appropriated" by the locals for use in their swords. Of course, it'd be just my luck if the maker turned out not to have a mark recorded.
Anyway, on we go; next item is what I think is an Omani kattara.
Meredydd Jones,
Assistant Curator RDG