An European - Manding sword ?

Tim Simmons · 29th September 2005, 05:36 PM

I still think this is African made. It looks a little light for French construction. French swords and bayonets are always very well made. Clearly this is inspired by French arms but the finish on the blade would never do for the French army which I believe was considered the worlds most modern at the end of 19th century. Also the handle back is too simple. It does however have that elegance of French swords. Tim

Zan · 30th September 2005, 02:28 AM

Thank you Tim and Ahriman,

Although it is very possible this sword is a copy of a French sabre, I am realy not sure because the finish of the handle is far better than what I was expected to see in local swords in Mali, especially the Mandings one. Maybe it is a copy, but from another country / culture ?

I am also sending this picture of the reverse side of the handle, with a mysterious number that eludes me. A serial number or a remnant of a scavenged metal part ?

Ahriman · 30th September 2005, 07:30 AM

TIm, you're right... I keep forgetting that it's INDUSTRIAL age... so the quality is quite coherent.

As I have said, I'm most experienced in earlier weapons, where the style is much more important than the finish... because everyone had to buy one's own equipment from different smiths... My fault, I will try to remember.

I'd bet remnant of another part... serial numbers are mostly stamped paralell to a side, and mostly, if we're talking about a "stripe", on the centre area. It seems that there were numbers left out. This increases the chance of a copy.

29th September 2005, 05:36 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,844	I still think this is African made. It looks a little light for French construction. French swords and bayonets are always very well made. Clearly this is inspired by French arms but the finish on the blade would never do for the French army which I believe was considered the worlds most modern at the end of 19th century. Also the handle back is too simple. It does however have that elegance of French swords. Tim Last edited by Tim Simmons; 29th September 2005 at 06:10 PM.

30th September 2005, 02:28 AM	#2
Zan Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Montréal, Province of Québec, Canada Posts: 46	Thank you Tim and Ahriman, Although it is very possible this sword is a copy of a French sabre, I am realy not sure because the finish of the handle is far better than what I was expected to see in local swords in Mali, especially the Mandings one. Maybe it is a copy, but from another country / culture ? I am also sending this picture of the reverse side of the handle, with a mysterious number that eludes me. A serial number or a remnant of a scavenged metal part ? Attached Images

30th September 2005, 07:30 AM	#3
Ahriman Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Hungary Posts: 72	TIm, you're right... I keep forgetting that it's INDUSTRIAL age... so the quality is quite coherent. As I have said, I'm most experienced in earlier weapons, where the style is much more important than the finish... because everyone had to buy one's own equipment from different smiths... My fault, I will try to remember. I'd bet remnant of another part... serial numbers are mostly stamped paralell to a side, and mostly, if we're talking about a "stripe", on the centre area. It seems that there were numbers left out. This increases the chance of a copy.