Mandingo (?) Takouba for Comment
I picked this takouba up as I thought it was interesting. Looking at the takouba.org catalogue, it is somewhat similar to #49. The guard is wrapped in leather with metal plates on both sides. I am guessing this was Mandingo made or influenced based on the style of the grip and the pommel with the protruding spike.
The takouba itself is also relatively small - only 32 inches long overall with a 26 inch blade and a weight outside the scabbard of 1.174 lbs. (532 grams). The picture next to one of my larger takoubas shows the difference.
The blade looks like a natively made one imitating the European imports with three fullers, but it is unmarked - no dukari. It ends with a carp's tongue tip.
Teodor
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