any ideas on the origin of this ?

[ariel]

I remember its listing description: it stated that it was Arabian,with local traditional handle. In effect, it implied Bedouin origin (Oriental Arms has one in his Gallery and I have 4 of those).
Well, this is not a Bedouin handle: those had a 'pommel" and a "handguard" components carved and often had the handle wrapped in metal strips ). This one lacks the "handguard" and the handle looks very new. The blade is European, but it was a case with many swords from many cultures.
Would be interesting to see the scabbard in greater detail:it may tell us more.
Here are the pics of two of my Bedouin swords: both with local blades and horn handles.
The scabbard of one of them is completely (with the exception of same age loss) covered with brass sheathing embossed in a rather haphazard fashion.
Look at the percussion point of the other one: it was much used and sharpened so many times that it is about 0.5 cm narrower than the rest; must have been a '"fighter". The end of the handle at the joint with the blade is strengthened with brass reinforcements in both of them.