Ethnographic Arms & Armour
 

Go Back   Ethnographic Arms & Armour > Discussion Forums > Ethnographic Weapons

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 12th August 2012, 10:09 PM   #1
Kirk
Member
 
Kirk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Posts: 11
Default Help identify

Hello all. I've come to appreciate the expertise and analytical nature of the members of this forum. And I believe only you can help me.

I purchased this short sword a few months ago on ebay. The blade measures 17 1/4 inches and 25 3/8 overall. Its pommel is similar to the those found in swords and daggers from the Mandara Mountains, except for a small nub at its tip. Maybe used for tying a tassel to it. The blade is also adorned with etchings which I believe were done by hand (the lines are irregular).


I'll post more images of the blade soon.
Attached Images
  

Last edited by Kirk; 13th August 2012 at 04:58 PM. Reason: Adding pics
Kirk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18th August 2012, 05:31 PM   #2
A.alnakkas
Member
 
A.alnakkas's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Kuwait
Posts: 1,336
Default

Bump

Interesting dagger. I'd wait for Iain's opinion ;-)
A.alnakkas is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18th August 2012, 05:44 PM   #3
Atlantia
Member
 
Atlantia's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: The Sharp end
Posts: 2,928
Default

Nice Dagger. I'd guess possibly Tebu?
Atlantia is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19th August 2012, 03:00 AM   #4
Kirk
Member
 
Kirk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Posts: 11
Default

Its length and weight reflects the attributes of a short sword. I first thought Tebu as well, but the pommel seems too round and the point, not really a point at all.
Kirk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19th August 2012, 11:40 AM   #5
Atlantia
Member
 
Atlantia's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: The Sharp end
Posts: 2,928
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kirk
Its length and weight reflects the attributes of a short sword. I first thought Tebu as well, but the pommel seems too round and the point, not really a point at all.

Indeed. If it's tebu it's somewhat atypical, but I do love these anomalies!
Or if it's a variation of this type of dagger from the Tuareg(?) then it's still an interesting variation with the ususual grip.
Attached Images
 

Last edited by Atlantia; 19th August 2012 at 12:04 PM.
Atlantia is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19th August 2012, 11:45 AM   #6
Iain
Member
 
Iain's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Olomouc
Posts: 1,680
Default

The style is found among several ethnic groups so personally I wouldn't be able to offer a precise attribution based off of these photos.

The use of a metal rather than leather grip is interesting and reflects some of the styling of takouba. Of particular interest in terms of dating this, the guard and pommel base appear to be aluminium? Quick thoughts would be 20th century.

Overall its a very attractive piece with some unusual characteristics. The nub is not particularly unusual, I've seen it quite a few times before. As time permits I will try to dig around for some photos of other pieces I've seen with this over the years.
Iain is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:39 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Posts are regarded as being copyrighted by their authors and the act of posting material is deemed to be a granting of an irrevocable nonexclusive license for display here.