Original Item: One of a Kind. This dates from 1850-1880 and is a very nice North African short sword, complete with a tooled leather scabbard and attached plaited leather body sling. The design is typical of those seen all across North Africa, and as far south as Sudan. There are makers marks on both sides of the blade, but definitely not ones we can identify.
The sword is somewhat similar to a gladius in shape, however it has a single edged blade. The crossguard and grip are oval shaped, and covered with rawhide, with a decorated grip. It looks like it is leather, but it may be wood that has been decorated to look like leather. There is a short skull crusher on the bottom of the pommel.
The sword comes with a very nice tooled leather scabbard, which is complete, with a brass end fitting. The leather has been dyed in places to decorate it, and there are two pieces of rope ending in loops passed through the scabbard. These are for holding the larger ends of the leather body sling in place when fastened.
An interesting short sword from North Africa, complete with a great tooled leather scabbard and sling. In great shape and ready to display!
Specifications:
Blade Length: 23″
Blade Style: Single Edge with Spear Point
Overall length: 28“
Crossguard: 3 1/4”
Scabbard Length: 23 3/4″