Moroccan Nimcha Saber With Imposing European Blade - Morocco, 2nd Half Of The 16th Century, Early 17th Century

Moroccan nimcha saber with a strong and imposing European blade - Morocco, 2nd half of the 16th early 17th century Blade quite exceptional in size, quality and age. Slightly curved blade with three deep fullers, single edge and counter-edge on the last third. On one side, at the ricasso, there are two European mint marks and one Arab mint mark. On both sides, at the fullers, there are the famous serrated sickle marks and pyramids of points. According to Jean Lhoste and Jean Jacques Buigne in their book weapons blades symbolism inscriptions markings fourbisseurs manucfactures (published by the portal), these marks are to be attributed to Clemens Horn, a fourbisseur in Solingen around 1588. According to Wallace collection catalogues European arms and armour (collection preserved and exhibited in London at the museum of the same name), these well-known marks are dated to the second half of the 16th century. Horn handle and steel guard with remains of gold damascening. The blade is riveted to the handle by a steel plate which is the Arab method. The method generally used in Morocco was the strong rivet button. The Arab method is found in Morocco on the oldest sabers, which suggests that the handle and guard are those of the original assembly with the blade or they are slightly later. Missing the decorative ferrule at the bottom of the handle. Total length 102cm Blade length 86cm Blade width at the heel 5cm Weight 1417gr