I agree with Ed, the presence of this mark would lead more toward a sword intended for regular wear and use. In Briggs, one example of a kaskara with this type rampant lion is from Aswara, though I would hesitate to assign the mark to a specific location. As noted by Ed, these swords in latter Mahdist period and beyond were primarily produced in Kasalla regions, and according to Reed, were often termed al Kasallawi (from Kasalla) as opposed to the usual term sa'if.
Interesting note Ed, on the wrap being of Atbara style, and I hadn't known of that distinction before, thanks very much!!
Regarding the 'childs sword' perspective. Though I know there are many instances in ethnographic weapons of swords produced for the youngsters, I am not sure that I would agree that any weapon reduced in size from the characteristic types necessarily has to be for a child. Certainly it would have been the case as Ed noted, for a young boy of rank or key standing to have such a sword provided for him, but I dont believe it was a universal practice.
I would suggest that this indeed may have been a sword with a broken blade remounted, but it would seem to me that unless the blade was a treasured heirloom, a new blade would have been subsitituted. Of course the use of broken blades for use in weapons intended for close quarters combat is well established with dirks such as in many other cultures and naval cases but those instances of such use of blades are usually incidental.
The rebated tip on this sword is unusual for a kaskara, and is of course more common on takoubas. This type blade tip is for slashing cuts as I understand and suggests this weapon must have been intended for such use, or it may be argued that it is rounded and blunt for use of a child of course.
It seems to me that the size of certain type swords must have been closely guaged of course to intent for use, as we have been discussing, and that I have seen many cases where certain types are relatively diminutive to those of same type usually seen. For example, I have seen British M1796 light cavalry sabres for officers much smaller and decorative than the usual sabres of ths type, the blades often considerably shorter. In North Africa, the well lnown 'flyssa' ranges in size in virtually all degrees from knife size to the extremely long types. In the northern parts of the Sudan, especially in Dongola, the triangular type broadswords are essentially more like huge knives (like the 'Khyber') or basically short swords.
I am more inclined to think this is a heirloom blade refitted for wear as an accoutrement with more ease, as the normal size kaskaras are of course quite awkward. Perhaps this would have been more suitable in a more metropolitan environment, like the Chinese daos that look the same as thier standard size counterparts, except for size. This was particularly due to the close quarters of crowded streets. I think this may more often be the case, than the oft presumed attribution of smaller swords to use for children. A similar case has been discussed over the years for the smaller grips and hilts on many Indian swords, which, according to numerous references were intended to better suit the smaller hands often characteristic in many of the Indian populations.
All best regards,
Jim
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