Africanised Sabre..any ideas as to the blade ?

[katana]

Hi
posted this sabre on Mark's thread ...... "Colonial hanger, Spanish dagger or ?" .

The sword seems to originate from West Africa, the scabbard Manding or Ivory Coast. With so much trade and colonial activity in the area the blade could have originated in a number of European countries.

After a number of comments (in Marks thread) I am hoping that perhaps someone may be able to ID the blade, which I believed to be European. No markings that can be seen.....there may be something under the leather covering (on the shoulders) but there is no way to see unless I cut the leather.

The spine (back) is 4mm thick, then at approx,18cms before the tip it thins to approx 1mm.
It has a broad fuller, both sides (18mm wide) and is 38cm long which follows the curve of the blade. Because the photos do not show this clearly I have applied tape to show position.
The blade is 48mm wide at handle, slightly tapering to 42mm approx. 15cms before point, then tapers again to 38mm just before point.
The blade measures 70.5cm, following the curve (of the blade), handle is 15cms long.

Thank you
David
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