Sudanese(?) shamshir anomaly

[Peter Hudson]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

This unusual shamshir was discussed here over 23 years ago, and it was speculated that this anomaly was a genuinely intended weapon (not a tourism souvenir) of late 19th into 20th Sudan. The most compelling suggestion for Sudanese provenance is the flared scabbard tip.

The Ottoman style pistol grip hilt and crossguard and the European type scabbard chape and the ball on the tip (mindful of the thum on janbiyya scabbard tips) are also elements adding to the conundrum of this piece.

The diagonally reticulated design of lozenge form is a decorative motif favored on the kaskara of early 20th c. in 'Ali Dinar' (Darfur) period into later Kassala period, so is also interesting element.

In discussions c. 2000, it was suggested that the composition of the blade appeared to be "Istanbul beyaz' type damascus (as described in Stone as mid 19th c.)There were concerns that the blade might have been forged locally in imitation of that process as though it is of good quality, there are forging flaws. I do not have the sword available presently so just add that pending observations and questions.

I wanted to show this here, and hope for observations and thoughts on the possible character of the sword as far as being for ceremony or perhaps wear as a dress accoutrement.
Has anyone seen anything like this in Sudanese context?

Hello Jim, My initial reaction was to consider this as a mixed variant perhaps using Kilij, Shaska or other sword parts including a blade possibly from a Shamshir..
Looking at it again I think Kaskara Hilt, Kaskara Scabbard and adornment to leather with star shape ... and a star shape to the design at Pommel ... with dot clusters in 3 and 5 dot sequences ... and typical of the sort of battle dress/weaponry worn by the warriors primed to not only destroy the enemy but to go to heaven trying... So for ceremonial as well as for battle.

If this was originally a Kaskara it seems the pommel was of no purpose other than decorative and not as a counter ballance but to prevent the sword falling from the hand although I would also expect a wrist strap to have been used.. The curved blade is a little confusing as normally straight it can be carried slung over the back and taking advantage of a usually straight blade and the widened scabbard near the tip.

My only reference is the excellent work
http://www.vikingsword.com/ethsword/...lver_dress.pdf


Regards, Peter.