Polish Nimcha

Jim McDougall · 3rd June 2007, 04:11 PM

In considering this sword further, it seems that the 'karabela' hilt form was prevalent in southern regions of Arabia such as Hadramaut, where Elgood shows examples of silver repousse mounted saif were favored. He also notes examples of cutlass type nimcha which had heavy, widened tip blades and it seems these favored the 'karabela' type hilt, though it seems the bolster at the neck if the hilt would have been wire wrapped instead of a solid sleeve.

While this example seems more recently refurbished, the blade form seems consistant with earlier trade examples of the type often seen on the nimchas typically associated with Zanzibar manufacture for export to Yemen. the three stars or often three crosses seem frequent stamps. Can anyone note other blades with these triple stamps, ideas on the significance?

Best regards,
Jim

3rd June 2007, 04:11 PM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,295	In considering this sword further, it seems that the 'karabela' hilt form was prevalent in southern regions of Arabia such as Hadramaut, where Elgood shows examples of silver repousse mounted saif were favored. He also notes examples of cutlass type nimcha which had heavy, widened tip blades and it seems these favored the 'karabela' type hilt, though it seems the bolster at the neck if the hilt would have been wire wrapped instead of a solid sleeve. While this example seems more recently refurbished, the blade form seems consistant with earlier trade examples of the type often seen on the nimchas typically associated with Zanzibar manufacture for export to Yemen. the three stars or often three crosses seem frequent stamps. Can anyone note other blades with these triple stamps, ideas on the significance? Best regards, Jim