Latest kaskara for comment

[fernando]

Corrected .

[Edster]

Marc,

Nice old "kaskara". I have a single edge sword from Kassaka with a similar cast grip, c.1986. The blade looks to me like those from Ethiopia, especially with the lion. Double fullers are common from there, but not from Sudan. Also, the tapered blade profile more like its imported also considering the gloved hand maker's marks. My guess it's an imported Abyssinian/Ethiopian gurade blade with a 4-piece welded kaskara cross-guard updated with the cast grip.

Best regards,
Ed

[Battara]

How heavy is the silver hilt?

[Jim McDougall]

This blade reminds me of the kinds of Solingen blades that indeed came through Ethiopia in latter 19th c. and often after being mounted with rhino horn hilts were sent to San'aa in Yemen. The rhino from the hilts was of course highly sought for use on janbiyya daggers. The blades were then remounted
with various silver hilts and resulted in unusual combinations, often there would be Amharic inscriptions .

The kaskara was of course well known in Ethiopia as well as Eritrea, and these blades recirculating over generations were likely remounted many times. I think Ed has the best perception of these remounts by the character of the guards etc. as described in the work he has done from outstanding field work in the Sudan and presented here.

[Marc M.]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

This blade reminds me of the kinds of Solingen blades that indeed came through Ethiopia in latter 19th c. and often after being mounted with rhino horn hilts were sent to San'aa in Yemen. The rhino from the hilts was of course highly sought for use on janbiyya daggers. The blades were then remounted
with various silver hilts and resulted in unusual combinations, often there would be Amharic inscriptions .

The kaskara was of course well known in Ethiopia as well as Eritrea, and these blades recirculating over generations were likely remounted many times. I think Ed has the best perception of these remounts by the character of the guards etc. as described in the work he has done from outstanding field work in the Sudan and presented here.

Hi Jim
So problaby an Ethiopian/ Eritean kaskara with an european trade blad, which suits me fine. Seller thought it was local made.
Do you have some more info on the markings?
Greetings
Marc

[Kubur]

I think your seller was right.
It's not an Ethiopian lion for sure, maybe a copy...
As Jim said the fullers look like the Solingen ones.
No one mentioned the numbers... Strange for an African copy.
I'ts not a silver hilt.
I'm sure a forum member will give you a better and precise answer.

[Marc M.]

Originally Posted by Kubur

I think your seller was right.
It's not an Ethiopian lion for sure, maybe a copy...
As Jim said the fullers look like the Solingen ones.
No one mentioned the numbers... Strange for an African copy.
I'ts not a silver hilt.
I'm sure a forum member will give you a better and precise answer.

Hi kubur
Europian or native made blade, don't make much difference to me so, long the blade is well made. Its sometime hard to define where its from.
A few things made me doubt on the native origin.
First: the double fullers with the decoration, not that common on native blades. The decoration in the fullers is problaby acid etched, done verry well.
Second: a ricasso is found mostly on import blades.
Third : the markings in particular the cartouche and the hands.
Hopefully someone can shed some light on these matters.
Greetings
Marc

[Marc M.]

Originally Posted by Battara

How heavy is the silver hilt?

Hi Battara
I don't think its silver but aluminium or zinc, it feels light.
I don't have anything to test silver.
Silver on kaskara handles is mostly wire or thin plates.
Solid cast silver handle would be nice allthough.
Greetings
marc

[Battara]

Originally Posted by Marc M.

Hi Battara
I don't think its silver but aluminium or zinc, it feels light.
I don't have anything to test silver.
Silver on kaskara handles is mostly wire or thin plates.
Solid cast silver handle would be nice allthough.
Greetings
marc

I agree, lighter probably means aluminum, which might indicate a later (early 1900s) dating for the hilt. And yes most I see with silver are wrapped and decorated, not cast.

[Marc M.]

Originally Posted by Edster

Marc,

Nice old "kaskara". I have a single edge sword from Kassaka with a similar cast grip, c.1986. The blade looks to me like those from Ethiopia, especially with the lion. Double fullers are common from there, but not from Sudan. Also, the tapered blade profile more like its imported also considering the gloved hand maker's marks. My guess it's an imported Abyssinian/Ethiopian gurade blade with a 4-piece welded kaskara cross-guard updated with the cast grip.

Best regards,
Ed

Hi Ed
Thanks for the reaction. The Abyssinian connection crossed my mind also.
In older posts on Ethiopian swords, i've found an identical stamp off the lion, also the shape off the blade and the double fullers pointed in that direction.
Glad that you confirmed my thoughts.
best regards
Marc