A Couople of Sudanese Swords (Kaskara) for Comment

Iain · 9th May 2018, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVV

I think I solved the origin of the Ethiopian blade: it was from a gurade, probably produced in France (based on the French writing at the base of the blade). Here is a link to an example in Oriental Arms sold archive with an identical blade:

http://oriental-arms.com/photos.php?id=2526

Does anyone know who the manufacturer was and when were these made?

There were a number of arms dealers who imported large quantities of blades into Abyssinia. Perhaps the most notable being the Terzian family. Usually their name was engraved on these blades. I can't quite make out the writing under the lion of Judah on this one.

Edster · 9th May 2018, 12:25 PM

Here is a site for a similar sword with a German blade from Rubylane dealer and an ID of the "G.G" mark. "GESETZLICH GESCHUETZT stamp. This means "protected by law" and is a trademark stamp." Apparently, many blade makers used the mark.

https://www.rubylane.com/item/61838-...ik-II-Imperial

Here is a discussion from another forum.
http://www.swordforum.com/forums/sho...fy-my-swords-1

Hope this helps.

TVV · 9th May 2018, 05:36 PM

Iain and Ed, thank you for your responses. I believe the writing is the same as on the Oriental Arms sold gurade, in which case it would be "Comptoir Europeen" under the lion of Judah and "Acier Superein" under the St. George image on the other side. Neither point to a maker or dealer.

Does anyone know if the Lion of Judah was used by the Solomonic dynasty, starting with Menelik II, or if it was used by the preceding dynasties as well? I suspect the blade was produced during Menelik II's reign, and if so, that would place it most likely in the early 20th century and certainly after the famous battles of Gallabat and Adwa.

Teodor

9th May 2018, 12:25 PM	#2
Edster Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 411	Here is a site for a similar sword with a German blade from Rubylane dealer and an ID of the "G.G" mark. "GESETZLICH GESCHUETZT stamp. This means "protected by law" and is a trademark stamp." Apparently, many blade makers used the mark. https://www.rubylane.com/item/61838-...ik-II-Imperial Here is a discussion from another forum. http://www.swordforum.com/forums/sho...fy-my-swords-1 Hope this helps.

9th May 2018, 05:36 PM	#3
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,660	Iain and Ed, thank you for your responses. I believe the writing is the same as on the Oriental Arms sold gurade, in which case it would be "Comptoir Europeen" under the lion of Judah and "Acier Superein" under the St. George image on the other side. Neither point to a maker or dealer. Does anyone know if the Lion of Judah was used by the Solomonic dynasty, starting with Menelik II, or if it was used by the preceding dynasties as well? I suspect the blade was produced during Menelik II's reign, and if so, that would place it most likely in the early 20th century and certainly after the famous battles of Gallabat and Adwa. Teodor