Hello Roanoa,
Interesting hybrid piece you have there. I agree with your assumption here with originating somewhere between the borders of Sudan/Ethiopia. The hilt shape is Sudanese while the decorated metal bands are inconsistent with average examples. Also there ,it seems to lack of the pommel cap from the pictures but not all have them. Ethiopian blade and sheath with the Lion of Judah and cross scepter as seen on the flag of Ethiopia 1887-1974. My guess is this piece dates to around the later part of the first quarter 20th.
-Geoff
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