Thank you broadaxe, Jim and A.Alnakkas for your comments. Mr. Tirri's attribution may have been based on gut feeling, and I have to admit my first reaction when I saw this sword was Algerian as well.
However, the argument for a Bedouin origin is much stonger. Given the Sinai attribution, I wonder if the blade may be Caucasian, as per Elgood those became very popular in Arabia from Syria and Jordan all the way to the Hadhramaout in the 19th century with the Circassian diaspora. The Gurda was perhaps the most imitated early European makers' mark by caucasian swordsmiths. I agree with you Jim that the blade does look a little earlier though, maybe 18th century.
It also does have a pattern welded appearance that I guess was never intended, and which is present on many hand wrought blades. It is my understanding that the previous owner dipped the blade in acid to clean it, thus etching it in the process. Nothing can be done about that now, but at least we get to see how it was made.
Thank you again,
Teodor
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