Lohar Large Folding Combat Sickle. Afghanistan

This strange weapon is called "Lohar", and is from Afghanistan. It is a folding sickle knife, originally used by the Banuchi / Bannochi / Banochi, one of the most agressive tribes of the large Pashtun ethnic group.
This example is larger than the other models usually seen. 
According to British military accounts from the19th century, these weapons were widely used against the British cavalry during the conflicts of the period.
The origins of this weapon are obscure. The foldingfolding version is designed for daily use in the wide cloth belt.This typically tribal weapon is a symbol of virility and clan affiliation for the Bannochi.
BLADE = curved, single-edged, decorated with "point engraving" decorative motifs, featuring stars and spirals This blade is mounted on the middle part of the weapon, which is made of chased brass. Blade length= 16.3 cm, width at base= 3.4 cm thickness at base= 4.8 mm
GRIP : after a brass ferrule, it is made of two chiselled bone plates, which end in horn ears made of black buffalo horn, all in the typical shape of Kyber Pass daggers known as "Chooras". After the grip, the steel spring lever.
It's worth noting that the two springs on this weapon that allow to bend the blade on the middle part and the handle on the middle part are particularly powerful and require strong action to enable their handling. This confirms that this is a real weapon and not a bazaar item for tourists.
Ref X3Y-2636
Shipping costsFrance, Europe = €20