How old is the sword?

[Iain]

Originally Posted by Edster

Hello Radu,

My guess in mid-20th Century, but could be in a wide range. The blade is fairly "standard" looking, but since the metal and technology has been the same since the British occupation, it could be any time during that period. The grip isn't Hadendawa style so that leaves out Kassala. The maker's mark uses a different sent of punches from those shared by the Kassala smiths at least in the 1980s. The cross guard in more in the Sennar style and forged with the center ridge. Patina might put in in the earlier part of the 20th. Any idea when it was brought back to England?

Regards,
Ed

The construction is rather crude and shows little of the finish of earlier pieces. I'd be with Ed 100% in dating it no earlier than the 1950s and most likely later.

Particularly the guard is crude with obvious tool marks, the half moon marks are of a particularly degenerated style and the fullers on the blade are ground not forged.