Another "Berber Like Sword."

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by drac2k

Thanks to all for your comments. My sword looks identical to the one shown by G.Mansfield ; were these swords a standard issue/pattern?
The "poison tip," label may have been a selling ploy, but I cleaned the sword outside, wearing a mask, and gloves,lol.

good to be careful Drac, no telling what might come about. It seems I recall that the use of arsenic or other poisonous chemicals were sometimes used in finishing blades in some native cases and these might bring unfortunate results to the unwary handling them. Clearly there were no such things as 'regular' or standard patterns, but these obviously followed a popularized style which seems to have followed Spanish maritime networks over a considerable period, probably mid 19th century into 20th.

I recall the perpendicular handle at the end of the scabbard, and seeing this on an Ethiopian gurade (in "African Arms & Armor:, Chris Spring), causing the notion these might have had some connection, but the idea seems unfounded. These handles were for holding the scabbard while withdrawing the blade with the effect of tropical damp on leather etc keeping the hand off the scabbard itself ( blade bites through leather).