Kaskaras at the 82nd London Arms Fair

stephen wood · 28th April 2009, 08:42 PM

There were more Ethnographic arms than ever at the most recent London Antique Arms Fair last weekend.

A very curious sword with a triple-fullered Kaskara type blade and a turned wooden hilt. The scabbard looks like crocodile skin with brass chape and throat - see below.

There was a particularly good showing of Kaskaras: two reptilian scabbard specimens - a monitor lizard and a crocodile - the former with a bundle of rags attached (which may once have been Quranic invocations). The swords themselves were unremarkable.

The same dealer had something quite interesting: a good quality Kaskara with engraving and, remarkably, the stamp of Sanderson Bros. and Newbold halfway down the blade. Quite historic. The only British-made Kaskara yet seen and made by a Sheffield company best-known in Militaria circles for bayonets who were in business as late as 1998. I think it dates from after 1910. Unfortunately my photos of the stamp, which said that it was made for a company called Latt Bros. did not come out but other shots are below.

Best of all was an older-looking Kaskara marked with the cross/orb and a lion. We have seen such markings here before associated with Solingen maker Peter Kull. This is in line with Pallme's footnote that they are "...in most request in Darfour." It is engraved with serpents, moons and a different Arabic text on each side. Inside one of the moons is a date 1912 (Gregorian) in Arabic numerals. The blade is relatively short - 31" - the point of balance marked exactly by the lion.

I am posting images below...hopefully a member might be able to translate the inscriptions...

It was very nice to meet, among others, Artzi from Oriental Arms and Stefan from Ashoka Arts.

TVV · 30th April 2009, 06:58 AM

Very nice pictures and information, Stephen, thank you.

The sword with the kaskara blade and wooden hilt is most interesting. You had a chance of seeing it live and perhaps handling it - did it look like something put together from various unassocuated parts, or did you feel it was a genuine item? Also, was the guard ball shaped, or was the hilt more like a mushroom?

I am intrigued, as this sword seems quite unique. The one you got is also very nice, with a great blade.

Regards,
Teodor

stephen wood · 1st May 2009, 12:06 AM

...a mushroom...

very impressive blade, good quality steel.

28th April 2009, 08:42 PM	#1
stephen wood Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 227	Kaskaras at the 82nd London Arms Fair There were more Ethnographic arms than ever at the most recent London Antique Arms Fair last weekend. A very curious sword with a triple-fullered Kaskara type blade and a turned wooden hilt. The scabbard looks like crocodile skin with brass chape and throat - see below. There was a particularly good showing of Kaskaras: two reptilian scabbard specimens - a monitor lizard and a crocodile - the former with a bundle of rags attached (which may once have been Quranic invocations). The swords themselves were unremarkable. The same dealer had something quite interesting: a good quality Kaskara with engraving and, remarkably, the stamp of Sanderson Bros. and Newbold halfway down the blade. Quite historic. The only British-made Kaskara yet seen and made by a Sheffield company best-known in Militaria circles for bayonets who were in business as late as 1998. I think it dates from after 1910. Unfortunately my photos of the stamp, which said that it was made for a company called Latt Bros. did not come out but other shots are below. Best of all was an older-looking Kaskara marked with the cross/orb and a lion. We have seen such markings here before associated with Solingen maker Peter Kull. This is in line with Pallme's footnote that they are "...in most request in Darfour." It is engraved with serpents, moons and a different Arabic text on each side. Inside one of the moons is a date 1912 (Gregorian) in Arabic numerals. The blade is relatively short - 31" - the point of balance marked exactly by the lion. I am posting images below...hopefully a member might be able to translate the inscriptions... It was very nice to meet, among others, Artzi from Oriental Arms and Stefan from Ashoka Arts. Attached Images Last edited by stephen wood; 29th April 2009 at 12:39 PM.

30th April 2009, 06:58 AM	#2
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,598	Very nice pictures and information, Stephen, thank you. The sword with the kaskara blade and wooden hilt is most interesting. You had a chance of seeing it live and perhaps handling it - did it look like something put together from various unassocuated parts, or did you feel it was a genuine item? Also, was the guard ball shaped, or was the hilt more like a mushroom? I am intrigued, as this sword seems quite unique. The one you got is also very nice, with a great blade. Regards, Teodor

1st May 2009, 12:06 AM	#3
stephen wood Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 227	...a mushroom... very impressive blade, good quality steel.