Opinions on a Takouba

Tim Simmons · 5th May 2006, 06:07 PM

Very difficult to make an assessment of the damage and repairs from these pictures, but it did not cost much, and looks as if it was made for someone of some status. I think some of these are more in the line of dress swords. I have a large brass arm knife with a similar looking blade obiously not as long, which could be used in anger but I am not so sure that was really what it was made for when compered to real fighting arm Knives.

Emanuel · 5th May 2006, 10:13 PM

Hello Tim and Katana,
So would this type be a fairly new (20th c.) parade/dress piece or an older example representative of traditional practices? The brass on this one looks worn and dirty, and the blade shows some signs of having been sharpened no?
Looking at the takouba serving as logo for this forum, it certainly looks like it saw many a fight, yet it is finely decorated. Would it be specific to noble or vassal tribes or tribal leaders? Is there any literature dealing specifically with takouba and covering decorative patterns?
It would be helpful if the members who own such swords could post them for comparison.

Thanks,
Manolo

katana · 5th May 2006, 11:51 PM

I have only the one Takouba, and I would say it is the fairly common and of typical style. The blade on this one is well tempered, 'springy' (a technical term

, and still fairly sharp even though it has not been sharpened recently. The blade also has the usual 'crescent moon' (2 either side).
The handle and guard, usually are leather covered, and the pommel shape and design is quite common. Here is a pic of my 'common' one below,but I really like the fact that its been 'used'.
Tim, Jim, and others are very knowledgeable about these swords, I am sure you will find their opinions very informative.
..... Ah, one more thing, you're right the Takouba in the Forums banner is something else.

5th May 2006, 11:51 PM	#3
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	I have only the one Takouba, and I would say it is the fairly common and of typical style. The blade on this one is well tempered, 'springy' (a technical term , and still fairly sharp even though it has not been sharpened recently. The blade also has the usual 'crescent moon' (2 either side). The handle and guard, usually are leather covered, and the pommel shape and design is quite common. Here is a pic of my 'common' one below,but I really like the fact that its been 'used'. Tim, Jim, and others are very knowledgeable about these swords, I am sure you will find their opinions very informative. ..... Ah, one more thing, you're right the Takouba in the Forums banner is something else. Attached Images

5th May 2006, 06:07 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,843	Very difficult to make an assessment of the damage and repairs from these pictures, but it did not cost much, and looks as if it was made for someone of some status. I think some of these are more in the line of dress swords. I have a large brass arm knife with a similar looking blade obiously not as long, which could be used in anger but I am not so sure that was really what it was made for when compered to real fighting arm Knives.

5th May 2006, 10:13 PM	#2
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	Hello Tim and Katana, So would this type be a fairly new (20th c.) parade/dress piece or an older example representative of traditional practices? The brass on this one looks worn and dirty, and the blade shows some signs of having been sharpened no? Looking at the takouba serving as logo for this forum, it certainly looks like it saw many a fight, yet it is finely decorated. Would it be specific to noble or vassal tribes or tribal leaders? Is there any literature dealing specifically with takouba and covering decorative patterns? It would be helpful if the members who own such swords could post them for comparison. Thanks, Manolo