What sword is this?

Hommine · 2nd March 2008, 05:02 PM

I bought this sword with scabbard in a souq in the Sultanate of Oman when I was living there.

Can anyone tell me something about the sword, the scabbard and the blade. There is a vague mark in the blade.

Your help is much appreciated.

Lew · 2nd March 2008, 05:09 PM

Welcome to the forum Hommine

We will need a good pic of the entire sword to give you our answer.

Lew

Hommine · 2nd March 2008, 05:16 PM

I just added the photos.

Hielke

Jeff D · 2nd March 2008, 05:19 PM

Hi Hommine,

You have an Omani Kattara. Quite rare. Use the search function they have been discussed here before.

All the Best
Jeff

Hommine · 2nd March 2008, 05:43 PM

Thank you very much for that info, that is really great!

Can anyone tell me something about the mark on the blade to make the picture complete?

Hielke

Jim McDougall · 2nd March 2008, 08:49 PM

Hello Hommine,
Just as Jeff has noted, this is an Omani kattara, and as he states, these are indeed quite rare and extremely desirable as collectibles, especially with scabbard. They are described in Robert Elgood "The Arms &Armour of Arabia" fig.2:13 and 2:15 (p.17-18). It seems unclear on whether these were made in Oman proper or the Omani empire elsewhere, but strongest case would suggest Oman. Elgood dates them 17th-18th centuries.
These always seem to be as yours, with silver decoration removed, the holes correspond to riveting on those which remain with covering.
Unfortunately the mark is too vague to really make out. Many of the blades on these are early Solingen blades, and its hard to say whether the mark is a cartouche or European makers mark.

Extremely nice acquisition, and thank you so much for posting it here!!!

All best regards,
Jim

2nd March 2008, 05:02 PM	#1
Hommine Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 21	What sword is this? I bought this sword with scabbard in a souq in the Sultanate of Oman when I was living there. Can anyone tell me something about the sword, the scabbard and the blade. There is a vague mark in the blade. Your help is much appreciated. Attached Images

2nd March 2008, 05:16 PM	#3
Hommine Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 21	Photos I just added the photos. Hielke

2nd March 2008, 05:19 PM	#4
Jeff D Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 473	Hi Hommine, You have an Omani Kattara. Quite rare. Use the search function they have been discussed here before. All the Best Jeff Attached Images

2nd March 2008, 05:43 PM	#5
Hommine Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 21	Sword Thank you very much for that info, that is really great! Can anyone tell me something about the mark on the blade to make the picture complete? Hielke

2nd March 2008, 05:09 PM	#2
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	Welcome to the forum Hommine We will need a good pic of the entire sword to give you our answer. Lew

2nd March 2008, 08:49 PM	#6
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,660	Hello Hommine, Just as Jeff has noted, this is an Omani kattara, and as he states, these are indeed quite rare and extremely desirable as collectibles, especially with scabbard. They are described in Robert Elgood "The Arms &Armour of Arabia" fig.2:13 and 2:15 (p.17-18). It seems unclear on whether these were made in Oman proper or the Omani empire elsewhere, but strongest case would suggest Oman. Elgood dates them 17th-18th centuries. These always seem to be as yours, with silver decoration removed, the holes correspond to riveting on those which remain with covering. Unfortunately the mark is too vague to really make out. Many of the blades on these are early Solingen blades, and its hard to say whether the mark is a cartouche or European makers mark. Extremely nice acquisition, and thank you so much for posting it here!!! All best regards, Jim