Peter, thank you for these observations, and this does has composite elements, most notably the Ottoman crossguard, and the grip does seem that it could be kaskara, with the bulbous Ottoman style pommel added.
In discussions years ago, as noted, it was observed that the 'Istanbul bayez' shamshir blade had flaws suggesting possible, if not probable local workmanship perhaps by a maker more aligned with making kaskara. As I suggested earlier, the Ottoman alignment with Zubeir Pasha might have had Ottoman craftsman influences in shops which might have produced this anomaly.
The decorative character of this sword suggests it may have been a sword of status or ceremonial for a ranking figure in Zubeyrs forces.
The outstanding work by Ed Hunley you linked is some of the best research data on Sudanese edged weapons to date.
The motif, in particular the diamond/lozenge pattern is as noted distinctive for regions in Darfur, which aligns with the Zubeir Pasha possibility as his key areas of operation were in Darfur (West Sudan).
It has been suggested that curved or saber blades are not unusual in Sudan, and I am hoping to see examples, particularly of this period ending in the time of Ali Dinar until his death 1914.
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