A new Nimcha for comment

Jim McDougall · 15th February 2025, 05:06 PM

The first two swords are not 'nimchas' but what I presumed were 'pirate swords' of the Muscati coast. Technically (by definition) these ARE nimchas but again, that rabbit hole is best left to other debates.
The reference is from Robert Elgood's "Arabian arms" book showing the flared tip blade. I was told later these swords were distinctly types found in Yemen.
The next images are of the top example, and marks.Note these curious sets of markings, crudely placed, resemble such conventions on Italian blades. It is interesting that some Arab sword features come from earlier Italian hilt styles, such as the guard ring as seen on the Zanzibar forms.

Next is the 'Zanzibar' nimcha from the lot of examples found in Yemen in the 80s, and the blade showing the three cross markings. Note this hilt is rather crudely cast, and the blade seems rather crudely made as well.

Next is the Maghrebi nimcha, in this case blade seems fairly well made but note the forte is blocked (notably European?) and the marking is quite crudely stamped. If I recall, the pentagram star suggests Morocco, and seems oddly placed with a 'Genoan' sickle mark.
If not mistaken nimcha markings situated in this manner are shown in the drawing in Briggs (1965) and he was apparently located in Algeria where he found the example he illustrated.

In looking at these, the blades do seem somewhat more crudely made than European in most of them, but the question remains where were they produced?
Note the proclivity to the heavier, flared blade tips. As I understand this feature has to do with the dynamics of the 'yelman' which was primarily to add 'weight' to the slashing cut.

TVV · 15th February 2025, 05:45 PM

Jim, in my opinion, with the exception of the Moroccan example, all the swords in your post were hilted in Yemen.

Jim McDougall · 15th February 2025, 08:33 PM

We are in accord, though I am puzzled at why the 'Zanzibar' sword was hilted in Yemen. While Artzi indicated it was found there in an arsenal with about 40 others of the same hilt form loosely, he claimed these had come from Zanzibar to supply Yemeni forces in the ongoing disturbances there.

15th February 2025, 05:06 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,281	examples of blades and markings The first two swords are not 'nimchas' but what I presumed were 'pirate swords' of the Muscati coast. Technically (by definition) these ARE nimchas but again, that rabbit hole is best left to other debates. The reference is from Robert Elgood's "Arabian arms" book showing the flared tip blade. I was told later these swords were distinctly types found in Yemen. The next images are of the top example, and marks.Note these curious sets of markings, crudely placed, resemble such conventions on Italian blades. It is interesting that some Arab sword features come from earlier Italian hilt styles, such as the guard ring as seen on the Zanzibar forms. Next is the 'Zanzibar' nimcha from the lot of examples found in Yemen in the 80s, and the blade showing the three cross markings. Note this hilt is rather crudely cast, and the blade seems rather crudely made as well. Next is the Maghrebi nimcha, in this case blade seems fairly well made but note the forte is blocked (notably European?) and the marking is quite crudely stamped. If I recall, the pentagram star suggests Morocco, and seems oddly placed with a 'Genoan' sickle mark. If not mistaken nimcha markings situated in this manner are shown in the drawing in Briggs (1965) and he was apparently located in Algeria where he found the example he illustrated. In looking at these, the blades do seem somewhat more crudely made than European in most of them, but the question remains where were they produced? Note the proclivity to the heavier, flared blade tips. As I understand this feature has to do with the dynamics of the 'yelman' which was primarily to add 'weight' to the slashing cut. Attached Images Last edited by Jim McDougall; 15th February 2025 at 05:19 PM.

15th February 2025, 05:45 PM	#2
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,664	Jim, in my opinion, with the exception of the Moroccan example, all the swords in your post were hilted in Yemen.

15th February 2025, 08:33 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,281	We are in accord, though I am puzzled at why the 'Zanzibar' sword was hilted in Yemen. While Artzi indicated it was found there in an arsenal with about 40 others of the same hilt form loosely, he claimed these had come from Zanzibar to supply Yemeni forces in the ongoing disturbances there.