Help identifying kaskara

Dom · 12th September 2012, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randallstorey

Underneath the tang the number 557 is stamped in arabic numerals within a rectangular indentation. The number might be 857 or 357, and this photo shows it from the right hand side where i believe you can see the last two numbers, five and seven.

Two fullers running about 80% length of the blade. The text within them is raised (i assume this isnt done bas relief so was wondering how). The text repeats only a few characters over and over, those being 'II' 'I' and combinations of a paranthses and greater/lesser than symbols, for example (> or >). I do not know how clear that has come across in the photos and am not sure my unsteady hands will allow much better, but obviously willing to try on request.

Welcome on board "randallstorey"
too kind from you, if you offer us, other photos taken with "focus"
your signs > and > could be a digits ... 7 and 8 ...
also, you've to take in consideration, that Sudan is particularly affected with the talismanic effect, as many other Muslim countries
these signs might be to conjure the evil eye

if I've pics with better resolution, I should be more formal
best regards

à +

Dom

ps/ please before next Saturday,
I'll flew to Cairo for several months,
and my library ... will remains in Paris

Shimmerxxx · 12th September 2012, 10:02 AM

That's a beautiful kaskara you have there, I hope you are able to get hold of a digital camera that shoots macro photos so we can see the details.

As you probably already know the best results are usually given by shooting outside but out of direct sunlight.

I look forward to seeing any further pictures you are able to take.

Iain · 12th September 2012, 11:11 AM

Hi Randall,

Having browsed your website in the past - very nice to have you here! Better photos will certainly help (try some pictures in daylight and outside, it should reduce the blur and shake issues) but I’ll try to add a few comments for a start.

This appears to be a very good quality kaskara with a European blade – the hilt with the flared tips is typical of older mounts. The most interesting aspect of the sword is the blade – two fullers is not typical for kaskara blades or European trade blades found in them. Usually three small fullers or one large fuller are encountered.

The only blades close to the region I can think off that feature this configuration are some Ethiopian saifs with imported blades. What is the length of your blade and is there a ricasso? The Ethiopian blades often feature extensive floral patterns in the same raised style you are describing.
Looking forward to more photos and helping to solve what this blade is and where it came from!

All the best,
Iain

(PS: Don’t lose hope for owning a real medieval blade in an African sword… )

randallstorey · 12th September 2012, 01:06 PM

Thanks for the offers to help.

A more accurate description of the blade is
835mm long
39mm at widest point before tapering slightly near shoulders
fullers each 6mm wide and extend 560mm beginning 60mm down from the guard ricasso both sides of the blade extending 140-145mm.

I've included two more photos, one shows the 857 stamped near the shoulders but not obscured by the crossguard this time.

The other I hope is a better shot of the script. I had a professor of mine who studied Near East ancient history at Harvard take a look at it long ago and he too thought the script as such was glyphs and/or abbreviations which he did not recognised based on the limited number of characters throughout and the short patterns of repeating these characters interspersed frequently with vertical lines (ie the 'I' and 'II'), the latter I do not know if they are indeed characters, punctuation or decoration.

I was not hoping for anyone to try to decipher the script I was more hoping that someone would recognise its kind, but whatever can be gleaned is appreciated.

A.alnakkas · 12th September 2012, 03:44 PM

hey mate,

I can see some decent Arab script there. Proper clear shots and maybe me and Dom can translate it :-)

randallstorey · 12th September 2012, 04:02 PM

Ok thanks, might have access to better camera this Friday.

It is so humbling to be faced with a language which i cant even describe and do not have enough time to learn even the names of its basic characters! No wonder I remained quiet about it for so long haha.

12th September 2012, 01:06 PM	#4
randallstorey Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 15	Thanks for the offers to help. A more accurate description of the blade is 835mm long 39mm at widest point before tapering slightly near shoulders fullers each 6mm wide and extend 560mm beginning 60mm down from the guard ricasso both sides of the blade extending 140-145mm. I've included two more photos, one shows the 857 stamped near the shoulders but not obscured by the crossguard this time. The other I hope is a better shot of the script. I had a professor of mine who studied Near East ancient history at Harvard take a look at it long ago and he too thought the script as such was glyphs and/or abbreviations which he did not recognised based on the limited number of characters throughout and the short patterns of repeating these characters interspersed frequently with vertical lines (ie the 'I' and 'II'), the latter I do not know if they are indeed characters, punctuation or decoration. I was not hoping for anyone to try to decipher the script I was more hoping that someone would recognise its kind, but whatever can be gleaned is appreciated. Attached Images

12th September 2012, 10:02 AM	#2
Shimmerxxx Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Wickford, UK Posts: 54	That's a beautiful kaskara you have there, I hope you are able to get hold of a digital camera that shoots macro photos so we can see the details. As you probably already know the best results are usually given by shooting outside but out of direct sunlight. I look forward to seeing any further pictures you are able to take.

12th September 2012, 11:11 AM	#3
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,708	Hi Randall, Having browsed your website in the past - very nice to have you here! Better photos will certainly help (try some pictures in daylight and outside, it should reduce the blur and shake issues) but I’ll try to add a few comments for a start. This appears to be a very good quality kaskara with a European blade – the hilt with the flared tips is typical of older mounts. The most interesting aspect of the sword is the blade – two fullers is not typical for kaskara blades or European trade blades found in them. Usually three small fullers or one large fuller are encountered. The only blades close to the region I can think off that feature this configuration are some Ethiopian saifs with imported blades. What is the length of your blade and is there a ricasso? The Ethiopian blades often feature extensive floral patterns in the same raised style you are describing. Looking forward to more photos and helping to solve what this blade is and where it came from! All the best, Iain (PS: Don’t lose hope for owning a real medieval blade in an African sword… )

12th September 2012, 03:44 PM	#5
A.alnakkas Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Kuwait Posts: 1,340	hey mate, I can see some decent Arab script there. Proper clear shots and maybe me and Dom can translate it :-)

12th September 2012, 04:02 PM	#6
randallstorey Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 15	Ok thanks, might have access to better camera this Friday. It is so humbling to be faced with a language which i cant even describe and do not have enough time to learn even the names of its basic characters! No wonder I remained quiet about it for so long haha.