Help identifying kaskara

Jim McDougall · 11th September 2012, 06:14 PM

Hi Randall,
Welcome to the forum, and thank you so much for posting a kaskara! As you have noted, there are of course distinct similarities to these broadswords of the Sudan and those of medieval Europe. Actually many 'medieval' broadswords have been created using old kaskara blades brought back from the campaigns in the Sudan over a hundred years ago, as described by Ewart Oakeshott in some of his works. Though there are occasionally European blades found in the actual examples in North Africa, most are trade blades from Germany of early 19th century to about 1870s.

I hope you can try to get more detailed photos, especially of the markings on this example. You have amazing patience having had this sword since the 1980s!!! my curiosity would have had the best of me the next day!!!

I do think that what you have is a most interesting example in that the fullering seems of more desirable type of these blades of latter 19th century form, and these markings are intriguing.

Thank you for joining us, and look forward to more pics!

Best regards,
Jim

randallstorey · 11th September 2012, 06:40 PM

I've tried again but that's the limit with my phone's camera, it just wont focus any more clearly at that distance. The scripts run the full lengths of both fullers on both sides of the blade. It is hard to tell if it is a full arabic script as some of it is covered by corrosion and much is worn down. I can never be certain that I am seeing a more varied script than a few symbols because much is covered by corrosion, much is worn smooth and various pits and disfigurements in the metal blend in with the script.

I am infatuated with it, but only had Stone available to me at the time in Oklahoma. When I moved to England in the 1990s i was able to focus on medieval armaments and never cared to know more about this until now. Nineteenth/twentieth century Sudanese was enough for me even though I was working in collaboration with the Royal Amouries and they offered to look at it for me! i dont think I wanted to share it, it was mine all mine, until now

11th September 2012, 06:14 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,459	Hi Randall, Welcome to the forum, and thank you so much for posting a kaskara! As you have noted, there are of course distinct similarities to these broadswords of the Sudan and those of medieval Europe. Actually many 'medieval' broadswords have been created using old kaskara blades brought back from the campaigns in the Sudan over a hundred years ago, as described by Ewart Oakeshott in some of his works. Though there are occasionally European blades found in the actual examples in North Africa, most are trade blades from Germany of early 19th century to about 1870s. I hope you can try to get more detailed photos, especially of the markings on this example. You have amazing patience having had this sword since the 1980s!!! my curiosity would have had the best of me the next day!!! I do think that what you have is a most interesting example in that the fullering seems of more desirable type of these blades of latter 19th century form, and these markings are intriguing. Thank you for joining us, and look forward to more pics! Best regards, Jim

11th September 2012, 06:40 PM	#2
randallstorey Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 15	I've tried again but that's the limit with my phone's camera, it just wont focus any more clearly at that distance. The scripts run the full lengths of both fullers on both sides of the blade. It is hard to tell if it is a full arabic script as some of it is covered by corrosion and much is worn down. I can never be certain that I am seeing a more varied script than a few symbols because much is covered by corrosion, much is worn smooth and various pits and disfigurements in the metal blend in with the script. I am infatuated with it, but only had Stone available to me at the time in Oklahoma. When I moved to England in the 1990s i was able to focus on medieval armaments and never cared to know more about this until now. Nineteenth/twentieth century Sudanese was enough for me even though I was working in collaboration with the Royal Amouries and they offered to look at it for me! i dont think I wanted to share it, it was mine all mine, until now