Help to identify this African(?) knife

[Bob A]

It occurs to me that the leather backing of the scabbard is rather reminiscent of the jambiyyas from Yemen and Oman, which may be another pointer toward origin.

I speak from the very depths of lack of knowledge, of course.

[ariel]

I think the "coin" is dated " .368", if my eyes are still what they used to be ???? years ago:-)

If so, - 1948-1949. I think it fits well with the crispiness of incisions on the blade.

But Jim is correct: the "coin" could have been attached to older knife or might be older than the knife itself.

[shayde78]

Originally Posted by Bob A

It occurs to me that the leather backing of the scabbard is rather reminiscent of the jambiyyas from Yemen and Oman, which may be another pointer toward origin.

I speak from the very depths of lack of knowledge, of course.

Agreed. I am attaching a picture of the original lot, of which this item was a part. It may help suggest an origin if the other pieces are easier to identify. There are three pieces; a Moroccan Koummya, a Jambiya, and this knife. The leather on the back of the piece in question does resemble the jambiya, but I was told the inscription is in a Moroccan/Algerian dialect...so somewhere in between?? Or not related at all, and the estate seller just lumped the 'pointy things' all in one lot.

[Bob A]

I'm inclined to believe your pointy-thing conglomeration.

The ring attachment method on the koumaya would seem to indicate a mid-20th century date, from what I've seen, but again, I'm no expert.

[Michael Blalock]

There are two Yemeni coins. A 1/8 Riyal and 1/10 Riyal. I would bet this is newer than the coins. Could have been made in Ethiopia or Eritrea but I'm more inclined to think this is more recently put together in Yemen since the 1970's.

[Helleri]

I believe the hilt and scabbard work is done in nickle-silver. True silver tends to tarnish with a much wider range of hues (dependent on chemical exposure over time and alloying). Whereas this only seems to have a black tarnish (suggests high nickle content). This also presents in sheen as mild yellow-green (that's your copper and tin displaying a bit).

To be clear Nickle-silver contains no actual silver (usually). It is a white brass that mimics the appearance of silver to some degree. It's actually a superior and very common material worldwide for this sort of highly detailed work.

Question: Does the metal have an acrid/sour/spicy odor?

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Here's a coin I found similar~ 1372 AH, Yemen Arab Republic, 1/8 Rial, Islamic Arabic Silver Coin. Denomination : 1/8 Rial. Dated : 1372 AH (1952 AD). Calendar : Islamic. Shape : Hexagonal With 5 Sided. Composition : Silver.

like this below

[Helleri]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Here's a coin I found similar~ 1372 AH, Yemen Arab Republic, 1/8 Rial, Islamic Arabic Silver Coin. Denomination : 1/8 Rial. Dated : 1372 AH (1952 AD). Calendar : Islamic. Shape : Hexagonal With 5 Sided. Composition : Silver.

like this below

That would be Pentagonal :P

[shayde78]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Here's a coin I found similar~ 1372 AH, Yemen Arab Republic, 1/8 Rial, Islamic Arabic Silver Coin. Denomination : 1/8 Rial. Dated : 1372 AH (1952 AD). Calendar : Islamic. Shape : Hexagonal With 5 Sided. Composition : Silver.

like this below

Outstanding directive work! Thank you

[shayde78]

Originally Posted by Helleri

I believe the hilt and scabbard work is done in nickle-silver. True silver tends to tarnish with a much wider range of hues (dependent on chemical exposure over time and alloying). Whereas this only seems to have a black tarnish (suggests high nickle content). This also presents in sheen as mild yellow-green (that's your copper and tin displaying a bit).

To be clear Nickle-silver contains no actual silver (usually). It is a white brass that mimics the appearance of silver to some degree. It's actually a superior and very common material worldwide for this sort of highly detailed work.

Question: Does the metal have an acrid/sour/spicy odor?

Thank you for this info. Yes, I believe it is German silver (is that the same thing?). Funny that you mention the smell...this does NOT have the smell, but the koummya in the one picture of the auction lot does have that sour smell. What does the smell indicate??