Kaskara with French Inscription

[Jim McDougall]

It is indeed unusual to see a French blade in the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, however there was a degree of French presence there, not to mention of course and obviously to the west. The so called 'Fashoda Incident' in what is now Kodok took place in 1898, and though settled diplomatically between the British and French over these territories, the distinct presence of French forces in the regions over a considerable period cannot be discounted.
Clauberg of Solingen was of course a known provider of blades to the French in the second half 19th century.

The guard on this is 'old' but most likely of early 20th century. These blades were remounted many times and the blade may have been handed down for generations.

Dennee, crossed posts, but excellent observation, the European blades were well established there as well as serving as prototypes for native made versions.

[Dom]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

It is indeed unusual to see a French blade in the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, however there was a degree of French presence there, not to mention of course and obviously to the west.

Yes Jim
even, a sensible degree for French presence, in Egypt, and Ethiopia (1897),
i.e. the railways in both countries, were erected by French engineers
- Clot Bey ( 1793 - 1868) was a famous medic during the time of Paşa Méhémet Ali
- Süleyman Paşa (17881 - 1860.), former French officer from Napoleon army, who became Egyptian army Chief (1833)
- I remember have saw in Railways museum Cairo, a picture for a man, and his name was "Abdallah Al Fransawi (the French) Bey"

in that time, every body was armed, either because it was part of the uniform for their functions, per "prestige" or per necessity, to warranty in own security
nothing strange to find in Egypt/Sudan/Ethiopia/Somalia, sword blades from Europe, or even from France

à +

Dom

[Jim McDougall]

Hi Dom,
Thank you so much for adding more on the French presence in these areas, and absolutely, nothing unusual in seeing the weapons used by the French of course in degree in these areas. I think perhaps better worded would be, unusual to see French blades in kaskara.

All the best,
Jim

[Iain]

The only thing I can add to this, is the possibility this could be from the French action and following Colonial period in Chad (1891-1920s)? The type would certainly used in those areas. That seems more logical to me than anything to do with the British Sudan.

[yuanzhumin]

Only by reading I think there is a mistake in the transcription: in fact, it should be 'une ame soeur' ( 'a sister soul' in English) not 'une ami soeur' (that doesn't mean anything). May be if there are other such mistakes corrected, the text would mean something.
Best
Nicolas

[yuanzhumin]

Yes, I finally get it:
'En vain on guette dans l'espace
une ame soeur qui passe.
Sont-ils perdus?'
This is poetry, probably verses from a French poem. It means in English:
'In vain, we watch out in the space
for a soul sister to pass.
Are they lost?'

This is very romantic and intriguing. If I was daring, this sword could have belonged to the famous French poet Arthur Rimbaud :-) Remember, he was an arm dealer while staying in Yemen and Abyssinia (close to Sudan) during ten years.

best
Nicolas

[Jim McDougall]

Excellent suggestion Iain! and I am surprised that after all our discussions on these areas that I completely forgot about Chad! It seems clear that areas of more extensive French presence colonially would more likely provide provenance for such a blade on a kaskara. These areas, in fact most of Africa, was a virtual hotbed of geopolitical colonial flux in the latter part of the 19th century.

It would seem that a poetic French verse, possibly from this esteemed French poet may likely have served metaphorically as an inscription on this French blade as well suggested by Yuanzhumin (superb job on that ttanslation BTW! ) . In all the political alliances, intrigues and conflicts of these complicated times of high adventure, this sword's blade presents some outstanding possibilities. It would be most daring indeed to suggest that the blade was in fact belonging to Rimbaud (1854-1891) however if he was as noted, one of the many arms vendors supplying arms in Yemen and Abyssinia it certainly strengthens the possibility of the words being his. Well placed and exciting suggestion Yuanzhumin!!

All the very best,
Jim