Origins of African Ceremonial long dagger/short sword with aluminium handle?

Tim Simmons · 8th June 2006, 07:28 PM

I would agree this has all the hallmarks of a typical West African knife for general personal use and the presents of aluminium suggests the late 1920s as the earliest date.

Zan · 9th June 2006, 01:30 AM

I agree with Mr Simmons, but I can't add anything else. It is the first time I seen this pommel pattern, very interesting aquisition !

Sincerely,
Zan

katana · 11th June 2006, 11:28 AM

Thankyou both, I have a feeling the blade is European. The aluminium (with its oxidation) looks like 'old' metal. I have seen early neglected aluminium, with a similar 'patina'.
'Modern' aluminium seems to have a different appearance when oxidised, perhaps this is due to the differing 'mix' of additive metals, such as magnesium, used to enhance the metal's properties.?

The problem I've still got is whether I should clean/polish the handle and lose the aged look, or to leave it as is?
votes please gentlemen

Ian · 13th June 2006, 07:55 PM

I vote to leave it as is. You can always polish it later if you want to, but you can never unpolish it.

Ian.

katana · 13th June 2006, 08:47 PM

Thanks Ian for your advice, I tend to agree with you

8th June 2006, 07:28 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,844	I would agree this has all the hallmarks of a typical West African knife for general personal use and the presents of aluminium suggests the late 1920s as the earliest date.

9th June 2006, 01:30 AM	#2
Zan Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Montréal, Province of Québec, Canada Posts: 46	I agree with Mr Simmons, but I can't add anything else. It is the first time I seen this pommel pattern, very interesting aquisition ! Sincerely, Zan

11th June 2006, 11:28 AM	#3
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Thankyou both, I have a feeling the blade is European. The aluminium (with its oxidation) looks like 'old' metal. I have seen early neglected aluminium, with a similar 'patina'. 'Modern' aluminium seems to have a different appearance when oxidised, perhaps this is due to the differing 'mix' of additive metals, such as magnesium, used to enhance the metal's properties.? The problem I've still got is whether I should clean/polish the handle and lose the aged look, or to leave it as is? votes please gentlemen

13th June 2006, 07:55 PM	#4
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,363	I vote to leave it as is. You can always polish it later if you want to, but you can never unpolish it. Ian.

13th June 2006, 08:47 PM	#5
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Thanks Ian for your advice, I tend to agree with you