Takouba for coments ... and a question

Jim McDougall · 7th October 2008, 02:33 AM

Hi Fernando,
I really didn't mean to sound discouraging in my assessment. As has been well pointed out by David and Lee, these swords are very much important heirlooms, and more recent mounts are not in the least detrimental.
I am the first to avoid 'modern' weapons, however I very much respect the swords still being used in the 1930's and 40's. In Saudi Arabia, the Bedouin were still fighting and raiding with swords. In the Caucusus, the Khevsur tribes were still wearing chain armour and fighting with swords. In the Sahara the Tauregs still wear the takouba as Lee has noted, and one Fur tribesman I spoke with described the kaskaras still treasured and worn by tribal elders.

Its the blades that maintain the profound tradition, and in many cultures it is considered disrespectful to leave them in worn or shabby mounts.
Like Lee has said, it is really hard to assess these blades, especially from photos. The 'springier' examples tend to be European as he has noted but the moon marks seem more native in thier form and positioning, so there you have it.

On the comment on recent oil company identifier on the components...I recall a heavy dha I once bought which was Thai, and had a beautifully repoussed and silvered mounting. One evening while looking closely at the mounts, as I admired the great old blade...I was horrified as I found a marking deep in the silverwork......'Eveready' !!!

In recalling it now, I realize the blade was key, and the mounts simply local maintainance of an old sword. Its just a matter of perspective I guess.

All the best,
Jim

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7th October 2008, 02:33 AM	#11
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,295	Hi Fernando, I really didn't mean to sound discouraging in my assessment. As has been well pointed out by David and Lee, these swords are very much important heirlooms, and more recent mounts are not in the least detrimental. I am the first to avoid 'modern' weapons, however I very much respect the swords still being used in the 1930's and 40's. In Saudi Arabia, the Bedouin were still fighting and raiding with swords. In the Caucusus, the Khevsur tribes were still wearing chain armour and fighting with swords. In the Sahara the Tauregs still wear the takouba as Lee has noted, and one Fur tribesman I spoke with described the kaskaras still treasured and worn by tribal elders. Its the blades that maintain the profound tradition, and in many cultures it is considered disrespectful to leave them in worn or shabby mounts. Like Lee has said, it is really hard to assess these blades, especially from photos. The 'springier' examples tend to be European as he has noted but the moon marks seem more native in thier form and positioning, so there you have it. On the comment on recent oil company identifier on the components...I recall a heavy dha I once bought which was Thai, and had a beautifully repoussed and silvered mounting. One evening while looking closely at the mounts, as I admired the great old blade...I was horrified as I found a marking deep in the silverwork......'Eveready' !!! In recalling it now, I realize the blade was key, and the mounts simply local maintainance of an old sword. Its just a matter of perspective I guess. All the best, Jim