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[Iain]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Salaams Iain ... Your reference is like #1 to this thread and could be by origin African Red Sea (Yemeni or Saudia) or related to Mamluke or an Algerian derivative. It apparently has the wolf too... like other examples I have handled the wolf is a diversionary mark intended to hoist the price. The description on your reference states and I quote:

"Sword blade from a cavalry sword, Passau wolf mark in the lower part of the double-edged blade, point rounded later, wooden grip bound with leather and ornamental silver wire, made in central Africa, blade - 16th/17th cent., hilt - early 19th century, length 97 cm, length of blade 78 cm" Unquote.

The information is very sketchy and only half believable. The only thing vaguelly Omani about this Sayf is the hilt. Though I dont have the sword in front of me I can see that it is as the # 1 in style... Thick inflexible blade with a point. Omani blades are by definition spatulate tipped and very springy... as I say a 90 degree bend is normal.

Regarding the New Omani Sayf of circa 18th C and said to be a European Trade Blade ~The vital ingredient of these Omani Sayfs is their flexibility, spatulate tip and on a long hilt. If it is stiff or pointed it is not Omani.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi

So just to clarify you are saying the two examples I have just linked (which have rounded tips) are not Omani, meaning they were not used in Oman by Omanis? I think this is an important point to be stated clearly, that unless it's flexible it cannot have anything to do with Oman?

Cheers,

Iain

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Iain

So just to clarify you are saying the two examples I have just linked (which have rounded tips) are not Omani, meaning they were not used in Oman by Omanis? I think this is an important point to be stated clearly, that unless it's flexible it cannot have anything to do with Oman?

Cheers,

Iain

Salaams Iain, Yes. The stiff examples are not Omani. They are from Saudia, Yemen, Algeria, probably derived from Mamluke...but not Omani.
Ibrahiim.

Afternote ~ That does not rule out a sword being hilted with an Omani long handle and used by an Omani trader, slaver or individual on the African coast in the Zanzibar hub. I am certain you will agree with that possibility though obviously that does not qualify the weapon as Omani proper. I think they qualify as hybrid being a crossbreed of the above styles.

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by Iain

So just to clarify you are saying the two examples I have just linked (which have rounded tips) are not Omani, meaning they were not used in Oman by Omanis? I think this is an important point to be stated clearly, that unless it's flexible it cannot have anything to do with Oman?

Cheers,

Iain

I have to agree that some clarity is needed here Ibrahiim.
Could I expand on Iain's request and ask that for those who haven't followed this epic threads many pages as closely as those heavily involved, could we (I) possibly have a summary of the points that you are proposing, set out as concise and short a list as possible?

Thanks
Gene

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Atlantia

I have to agree that some clarity is needed here Ibrahiim.
Could I expand on Iain's request and ask that for those who haven't followed this epic threads many pages as closely as those heavily involved, could we (I) possibly have a summary of the points that you are proposing, set out as concise and short a list as possible?

Thanks
Gene

Salaams Gene ... If you read back through the thread you will see I do that at intervals since this is as you point out somewhat complicated.

I believe it may be enlightening to look at Michael Blalocks thread in unison at his Arabian Swords # 1 where the Red Sea interloper sword is pictured cased in a Yemeni military museum.

Meanwhile I will outline the arguement tomorrow as its near midnight here... and hopefully set the position straight... On the straight Sayf !
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi