Help identifying kaskara

Iain · 12th September 2012, 11:11 AM

Hi Randall,

Having browsed your website in the past - very nice to have you here! Better photos will certainly help (try some pictures in daylight and outside, it should reduce the blur and shake issues) but I’ll try to add a few comments for a start.

This appears to be a very good quality kaskara with a European blade – the hilt with the flared tips is typical of older mounts. The most interesting aspect of the sword is the blade – two fullers is not typical for kaskara blades or European trade blades found in them. Usually three small fullers or one large fuller are encountered.

The only blades close to the region I can think off that feature this configuration are some Ethiopian saifs with imported blades. What is the length of your blade and is there a ricasso? The Ethiopian blades often feature extensive floral patterns in the same raised style you are describing.
Looking forward to more photos and helping to solve what this blade is and where it came from!

All the best,
Iain

(PS: Don’t lose hope for owning a real medieval blade in an African sword… )

12th September 2012, 11:11 AM	#6
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,708	Hi Randall, Having browsed your website in the past - very nice to have you here! Better photos will certainly help (try some pictures in daylight and outside, it should reduce the blur and shake issues) but I’ll try to add a few comments for a start. This appears to be a very good quality kaskara with a European blade – the hilt with the flared tips is typical of older mounts. The most interesting aspect of the sword is the blade – two fullers is not typical for kaskara blades or European trade blades found in them. Usually three small fullers or one large fuller are encountered. The only blades close to the region I can think off that feature this configuration are some Ethiopian saifs with imported blades. What is the length of your blade and is there a ricasso? The Ethiopian blades often feature extensive floral patterns in the same raised style you are describing. Looking forward to more photos and helping to solve what this blade is and where it came from! All the best, Iain (PS: Don’t lose hope for owning a real medieval blade in an African sword… )