Moroccan Nimcha Sword With Strong, Imposing European Blade - Morocco, 2nd Half 16th/early 17th Century

Moroccan nimcha sword with strong, imposing European blade - Morocco, 2nd half 16th early 17th century

A very exceptional blade in terms of size, quality and age.

Slightly curved blade with three deep gutters, single edge and counter edge on the last third.

On one face, at ricasso level, presence of two European and one Arabic workshop marks.

On both sides, at the level of the gutters, presence of the famous serrated sickle marks and dot pyramids.

According to Jean Lhoste and Jean Jacques Buigne in their book armes blanches symbolisme inscriptions marquages fourbisseurs manucfactures(éditions du portail), these marks are to be attributed to Clemens Horn, fourbisseur à Solingen circa 1588.

According toWallace collection catalogs European arms and armour(collection preserved and exhibited in London at the museum of the same name), these well-known marksdate from the second half of the 16th century.

Horn handle and steel guard with remains of gold damascene.

The blade is riveted to the hilt by a steel plate which is theArab method. The method generally used in Morocco was the strongrivet button.

The Arabic method is found in Morocco on the oldest swords, which suggest that the hilt and guard are those of the original assemblywith the blade, or slightly later.

The Arabic method is found in Morocco on the oldest swords.

Missing the decorative ferrule at the bottom of the handle.

Overall length 102cm
Blade length 86cm
Blade width at heel 5cm
Weight 1417gr