Wierd Aluminium Hilted Sabre. Any Info?

Jim McDougall · 2nd October 2012, 11:40 PM

Ar first glance this seemed Bedouin, but then I recalled images of these kinds of hilts, typically cast brass, on sabres in use in West Africa. If I recall correctly one was held by a warrior in I believe Sierra Leone involved in insurgence in those regions in 1980s (somewhere there is a photo from a magazine cover).
Unsure of what this metal is but looks aluminum alloy, the blade is probably surplus military from colonial sources in French regions.

Edster · 3rd October 2012, 02:41 AM

I have a single edge Rashayda sword with a cast one-piece grip that looks to be aluminum. Has a similar guard, but isn't of any "ethnic" design. Blade is sort of thick and not a fine steel. Similar scabbard. Got in Kassala.

A.alnakkas · 3rd October 2012, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edster

I have a single edge Rashayda sword with a cast one-piece grip that looks to be aluminum. Has a similar guard, but isn't of any "ethnic" design. Blade is sort of thick and not a fine steel. Similar scabbard. Got in Kassala.

Edster, Thanks! Do you mind showing photos of the "Rashayda" sword? my guess is that by Rashayda, you speak of the Arab tribe in Sudan, correct?

Jim and Vandoo, thanks! I dont think the hilt is cast all together in one piece, it seems that it is made of different pieces of the same alloy, I can see some welding and will get some zooms tommorow morning if possible.

Thanks everyone for the info!

2nd October 2012, 11:40 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,200	Ar first glance this seemed Bedouin, but then I recalled images of these kinds of hilts, typically cast brass, on sabres in use in West Africa. If I recall correctly one was held by a warrior in I believe Sierra Leone involved in insurgence in those regions in 1980s (somewhere there is a photo from a magazine cover). Unsure of what this metal is but looks aluminum alloy, the blade is probably surplus military from colonial sources in French regions.

3rd October 2012, 02:41 AM	#2
Edster Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 411	I have a single edge Rashayda sword with a cast one-piece grip that looks to be aluminum. Has a similar guard, but isn't of any "ethnic" design. Blade is sort of thick and not a fine steel. Similar scabbard. Got in Kassala.