Interesting Shona Short Sword

[CharlesS]

This is a not a typical Shona piece, and it clearly has been influenced by seeing European swords with the most obvious example being the iron handguard. Otherwise, it shows all the class is trademarks of a Shona piece. Note the carving style and the incredible brass wire work with the typical two toned iron blade(diamond sectioned). I love the old patina on this piece. I am assuming it is from the first half of the 20th century.

Dimensions:

Overall length: 23.25in.
Blade length: 16in.
Blade width at the forte: .75in.