Nimcha with european blade.

Jim McDougall · 26th June 2009, 01:43 AM

Hi Ascalon,
Sorry I missed this one you added. The blade on this is an example of commonly seen cabalistic symbols applied on European trade blades, typically Solingen products of the 18th century. In the 18th century, there was a distinct increase in talismanic symbolism applied to blades that seems to have evolved largely out of the symbolism used on hunting sword blades. Many of these blades of course influenced markings on native blades in degree, but this is European.
As always, these blades were traded and refurbished many times over the years as the condition of the hilts diminished, and these mounts are most likely 19th century, probably latter. It is always hard to say from photos and without actually handling the weapon. Classic example of the Moroccan sa'if, of course colloquially termed 'nimcha' by collectors.

It would be interesting to see various examples of these posted with the many variations of markings found on the blades, which seem to have been invariably imported, and often marked it would appear by various armourers who mounted the blades.

Hopefully others holding examples of these will post them here and we might get together some comprehensive discussion going.

All the best,
Jim

26th June 2009, 01:43 AM	#6
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,284	Hi Ascalon, Sorry I missed this one you added. The blade on this is an example of commonly seen cabalistic symbols applied on European trade blades, typically Solingen products of the 18th century. In the 18th century, there was a distinct increase in talismanic symbolism applied to blades that seems to have evolved largely out of the symbolism used on hunting sword blades. Many of these blades of course influenced markings on native blades in degree, but this is European. As always, these blades were traded and refurbished many times over the years as the condition of the hilts diminished, and these mounts are most likely 19th century, probably latter. It is always hard to say from photos and without actually handling the weapon. Classic example of the Moroccan sa'if, of course colloquially termed 'nimcha' by collectors. It would be interesting to see various examples of these posted with the many variations of markings found on the blades, which seem to have been invariably imported, and often marked it would appear by various armourers who mounted the blades. Hopefully others holding examples of these will post them here and we might get together some comprehensive discussion going. All the best, Jim