Victorian C1885 Siege Of Khartoum Era Large Native Sudanese / Arab Fighting Sword With Possible Ancient Blade & Rare To Find Leather Scabbard. Sn 21449:9 Swords

Victorian C1885 Siege Of Khartoum Era Large Native Sudanese / Arab Fighting Sword With Possible Ancient Blade & Rare To Find Leather Scabbard. Sn 21449:9 - 21449:9

The Kaskara is a type of traditional sword, which is characteristic of Sudan, Chad, and Eritrea. They are found with both straight and spatulate tips (see page 339 of A Glossary of Arms & Armor by Stone where similar Kaskara are described and illustrated). The blade of the Kaskara was usually about a yard long & double edged. While most surviving examples are from the 19th century, Kaskara are believed to have originated around the early 14th century, and may represent a localized survival of the straight, double-edged medieval Arab sword. Many 19th century examples such as ours were made with medieval blades. The Kaskara was worn horizontally across the back or between the upper arm and thorax. According to British Museum curator Christopher Spring, "in the central and eastern Sudan, from Chad through Darfur and across to the Red Sea province, the straight, double-edged swords known as Kaskara were an essential possession of most men". Our example most likely from the Victorian era is of the type used by tribesmen against the British at the siege of Khartoum. It has all of the correct Kaskara characteristics such broad cross guard, brass hilt and round domed pommel cap. It has 32 ½” long, triple fullered steel blade & measures 37 ¾” overall length. The blade which may be much earlier possibly from the medieval era has even patina and staining consistent with age. There are no visible maker or date marks on the sword. The sword is accompanied by its rare to find period leather scabbard which has 2 large leather loops holed for cord to attach to the warrior’s body (cord absent). The throat of the scabbard is mounted with an original thin brass plate with hand tooled with decoration. The leather of the scabbard also has some small areas of tooled decoration. The leather is clean with just light areas of wear to be expected. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 21449:9

£475.00