Kaskara sword from Moscow

Battara · 4th June 2015, 01:11 AM

Yes pictures of the whole piece are helpful and desired before bringing anymore comments.

Good questions though and more pictures would help in this discussion.

Jim McDougall · 4th June 2015, 10:32 PM

Welcome Alexei, and my compliments for your thorough description of the kaskara you are asking about. As has been mentioned, it very much helps to have full images of the weapon as often comprehensive details help us better place responses.

It is interesting what you suggest on the date inscribed as this would of course place the kaskara in the Mahdist period, and with the provenance described as from Ethiopia c.1889 this becomes more intriguing.

In March 9-10 of 1889, the Battle of Gallabat/Metemma (twin settlements in Sudan and Ethiopia) was fought between Mahdist forces and Ethiopian.
While the Mahdists were victorious, it was a costly victory as most of their most valued warriors were killed, as was Emperor Yohannes IV of Ethiopia.

If we examine the proper interpretation of the date on the sword, perhaps it is 1889 and commemorating the event?

W. Clauberg was a Solingen maker active 1847-into 20th century and of a sword making family there with other members also active. Most of the Clauberg blades found in Sudan have the armored knight along with the name, but the name alone also known.

The 'cosmological' devices as noted were often stamped on blades in the Sudan, and these were used in Europe in various cases. While often attributed to Peter Munich, he was among many using these devices.

I am unclear what is meant by these marks, dates are copied from another sword. Is there more to the question, another sword involved?

In most cases markings were applied in talismanic sense in the Sudan, however there is always the presumption that monetary value is of course a consideration in accord with that.

I hope you will stay with us and if possible add more photos and info. This is a most interesting query, and would like to know more.

Best regards,
Jim

4th June 2015, 01:11 AM	#1
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	Yes pictures of the whole piece are helpful and desired before bringing anymore comments. Good questions though and more pictures would help in this discussion.

4th June 2015, 10:32 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,281	Welcome Alexei, and my compliments for your thorough description of the kaskara you are asking about. As has been mentioned, it very much helps to have full images of the weapon as often comprehensive details help us better place responses. It is interesting what you suggest on the date inscribed as this would of course place the kaskara in the Mahdist period, and with the provenance described as from Ethiopia c.1889 this becomes more intriguing. In March 9-10 of 1889, the Battle of Gallabat/Metemma (twin settlements in Sudan and Ethiopia) was fought between Mahdist forces and Ethiopian. While the Mahdists were victorious, it was a costly victory as most of their most valued warriors were killed, as was Emperor Yohannes IV of Ethiopia. If we examine the proper interpretation of the date on the sword, perhaps it is 1889 and commemorating the event? W. Clauberg was a Solingen maker active 1847-into 20th century and of a sword making family there with other members also active. Most of the Clauberg blades found in Sudan have the armored knight along with the name, but the name alone also known. The 'cosmological' devices as noted were often stamped on blades in the Sudan, and these were used in Europe in various cases. While often attributed to Peter Munich, he was among many using these devices. I am unclear what is meant by these marks, dates are copied from another sword. Is there more to the question, another sword involved? In most cases markings were applied in talismanic sense in the Sudan, however there is always the presumption that monetary value is of course a consideration in accord with that. I hope you will stay with us and if possible add more photos and info. This is a most interesting query, and would like to know more. Best regards, Jim