Sudanese shamshir? anomaly

[TVV]

Here is a shamshir from Gavin Nugent's sold items, which based on the python(?) skin cover on the scabbard appears to have been used in an African, most likely Sudanese context at some point. Persian arms were imported and imitated in Sudan, but as discussed German imported blades were preferred, probably because of the ratio of cost to quality.

[Richard G]

This is purely speculation, but could it simply be an Ottoman (Egyptian or Hejaz) shamshir that has found its way south and has been 'sudanised' to local taste.
I would really like to know what is under that bulbous brass encased hilt. Is there any way of finding out?
It could be a pleasant surprise.
Regards
Richard

[CharlesS]

Great piece Jim!

Here are some curved examples I had posted some time ago, but yours is more along the lines of a much more Ottoman-influenced sword.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...curved+kaskara

[Jim McDougall]

Wow Charles!! Forgot those! THAT firmly places this in Sudan along with those great examples, thank you so much, and its great hearing from you.
Richard, Teodor and Ed, thank you guys.
Great input and great to have all these insights.
It seems the Sudanese had a far greater scope of variations on the kaskara than I had realized.
Richard,
I dont have access to this sword right now, but would hesitate to dismantle the hilt. What would be possibly inside?

[Edster]

Jim,

The scabbards shape for both your & CharlesS sabers are virtually identical including the reptile skin of the strap attachments. Also, the diamond motifs on both grips and the dress on your scabbard (raised diamonds) are inverse kin to the same motif on many later kaskara including those from Ali Dinar's workshop (raised center with dot). I discuss the diamond motif in my Kaskara in Silver Dress paper.

Best,
Ed

[Richard G]

Jim,
This one, I believe, has a rhino horn hilt, (and a blade with etched thuluth script!)
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=349
I wonder if yours has a rhino horn hilt beneath the brass covering.
Regards
Richard

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Richard G

Jim,
This one, I believe, has a rhino horn hilt, (and a blade with etched thuluth script!)
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=349
I wonder if yours has a rhino horn hilt beneath the brass covering.
Regards
Richard

I see what you mean Richard, possible just a covering over the rhino Ottoman hilt. I have never taken apart one of my swords, so probably would not on this. It is an interesting suggestion though, and might have been done to add the embellishment.