Takouba for coments ... and a question

[Lee]

Originally Posted by fernando

would it be possible/plausible that in some cases blades be acquired from trade sources (imported or so) with flat faces, and later have the three grooves ground, to follow local takouba tradition?

Those thin, narrow grooves are, in fact, features of the European trade blades of the 18th century and likely into the 19th century and are seen in other locally mounted swords throughout the world that use these blades.

The half-moons also started out on the European blades. Your blade is difficult to be certain of, origin wise. The quality of the half-moons is fairly good and they do appear more stamped than chiseled. So, without handling it, I am unsure as to whether this is a European blade or a carefully made local blade with added features from the trade blades. I flip back and forth as I look at it - but my attraction to this example remains unwavering. It is a nice example.

A stock-removal blade formed from sheet metal would, I suspect, likely not be earlier than the 20th century, although Briggs does show some examples retaining manufacturers stamps from presumed sheet stock. I have a sheet-metal bladed kaskara.

[fernando]

Thank you so much Lee, for the clarification on the grooves and all the other impressions.
I have made close up pictures of the half-moons in both blade faces. It appears they were not chiseled, but instead stamped, judging by some defect occurred in both sides, making one thing the marks were done with a (same) punch device.
... this if i catch your meaning and if i can see with the propper eyes.

Concerning sheet-metal, and again begging tolerance for my layman's eyes, this one certainly isn't made with such material ... for what matters. As i said before, and just tested again, i repeatedly bend it and it allways comes back to absolute straightness.
Fernando

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[Lew]

Fernando

Here are a few pics of a mid 20th century takouba for comparison


Lew

[fernando]

Thank you for posting those pictures, Lew.
What can i say that doesn't diminish or favour either piece, only transmiting an analitical view ... a master's view, by the way
All right, it's well visible that your takouba is a relatively recent production; its pommel is still glowing ... and so are the other elements.
However and as already assumed, i regret not to have enough background to establish the difference in age between your and my example, with the agravation that mountings in that part of the world are subject to a sudden ageing process, as pointed out by the connoisseurs.
Nevertheless it appears that your piece is 'virgin', having been acquired directly from the seller, whereas mine has strong signs of having been worn by some local Ihaggaren.
Do i notice that your pommel has a round discoid top? the one in mine, besides a distinct detail, has an oval shape, whatever that could mean ... antiquity or a regional distinction ... or just a model variant.
I would adventure that the half-moons in your blade are of the rather 'simple' type ; it looks like the punch was made with only a geometric preocupation, not caring for the human silhouette of the moons.
Enough nonsense, period.

Fernando

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[Lew]

Fernando

I agree your sword is much older my guess is first quarter of the 20th century or older. My sword is probably 1960s-70s and has seen little use still it's a nice example. It's really hard to find good examples of takoubas these days. So as far as I can tell you got a real nice one.


Lew

[fernando]

Thank you Lew.
Your is also a charming piece
Fernando