Kaskara Fuller Styles and Some Blade Marks--a third essay for discussion

Kubur · 8th September 2018, 08:40 AM

Thank you Ed it's very informative.
About Charles sword I think the blade is local.
To me the most important is not to be local or imported but a blade that was used (and sharpened).

Edster · 10th September 2018, 02:57 PM

The images attached are of the Suliman Makhummas kaskara collected by the 4th Irish Dragoon Guards in 1882 as referenced in the RDGAC text linked above. They were provided recently for use by permission of the York Army Museum who requested notice of images copyright by the Museum.

This before 1882 sword is significant as it is at least a generation before the c.1914 Makhummas the example in Fig. 14 above. Also the quillon is similar to the 1914 example. There appears to be a blade reinforcing piece under the langet.

Special thanks to Aline Staes, Collections Manager, York Army Museum.

Ed

Ian · 10th September 2018, 10:37 PM

Hi Ed.
I wonder if the added piece under the langet may be a repair. Perhaps a broken tang. I’ve seen similar additions on Moro swords for repairing damaged tangs.
Ian

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edster

The images attached are of the Suliman Makhummas kaskara collected by the 4th Irish Dragoon Guards in 1882 as referenced in the RDGAC text linked above. They were provided recently for use by permission of the York Army Museum who requested notice of images copyright by the Museum.

This before 1882 sword is significant as it is at least a generation before the c.1914 Makhummas the example in Fig. 14 above. Also the quillon is similar to the 1914 example. There appears to be a blade reinforcing piece under the langet.

Special thanks to Aline Staes, Collections Manager, York Army Museum.

Ed

Edster · 11th September 2018, 03:22 AM

Ian,

Yes, that was my thought as well. I have requested an oblique pic of that section and further assessment. A repair would be testimony to the common breakage of native blades during the Mahdiya period.

Ed

Kubur · 11th September 2018, 09:09 AM

Broken or sometimes just too short

I've seen the same on Persian dagger tangs, two pieces of metal to hold firmly the blade.

Is it the same with the tabouka, you've sometimes two pieces of metal at the forte with rivets?

Edster · 11th September 2018, 01:47 PM

Kubur, you could well be correct. RDGAC's assessment of the tabs on sword #3 are:

Quote: "At said base are a pair of large tabs, seemingly forge-welded or similar to the flats of the blade, and presumably intended to broaden it a little and allow the cross-guard and grip a firmer attachment to the base and tang, though that's probably an erroneous presumption."

Regards,
Ed

CharlesS · 17th September 2018, 04:12 PM

The best and the most info I have ever seen on the kaskara in one place. Thanks, contributors!

10th September 2018, 02:57 PM	#2
Edster Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 415	1882 Suliman Makhummas The images attached are of the Suliman Makhummas kaskara collected by the 4th Irish Dragoon Guards in 1882 as referenced in the RDGAC text linked above. They were provided recently for use by permission of the York Army Museum who requested notice of images copyright by the Museum. This before 1882 sword is significant as it is at least a generation before the c.1914 Makhummas the example in Fig. 14 above. Also the quillon is similar to the 1914 example. There appears to be a blade reinforcing piece under the langet. Special thanks to Aline Staes, Collections Manager, York Army Museum. Ed Attached Images Last edited by Edster; 10th September 2018 at 03:17 PM. Reason: Delete this post. Another one with attached images to follow.

8th September 2018, 08:40 AM	#1
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	Thank you Ed it's very informative. About Charles sword I think the blade is local. To me the most important is not to be local or imported but a blade that was used (and sharpened).

11th September 2018, 03:22 AM	#4
Edster Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 415	Ian, Yes, that was my thought as well. I have requested an oblique pic of that section and further assessment. A repair would be testimony to the common breakage of native blades during the Mahdiya period. Ed

11th September 2018, 09:09 AM	#5
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	Broken or sometimes just too short I've seen the same on Persian dagger tangs, two pieces of metal to hold firmly the blade. Is it the same with the tabouka, you've sometimes two pieces of metal at the forte with rivets?

11th September 2018, 01:47 PM	#6
Edster Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 415	Kubur, you could well be correct. RDGAC's assessment of the tabs on sword #3 are: Quote: "At said base are a pair of large tabs, seemingly forge-welded or similar to the flats of the blade, and presumably intended to broaden it a little and allow the cross-guard and grip a firmer attachment to the base and tang, though that's probably an erroneous presumption." Regards, Ed

17th September 2018, 04:12 PM	#7
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	The best and the most info I have ever seen on the kaskara in one place. Thanks, contributors!