BERBER BACKSWORD

Morocco, 19th century, perhaps as early as the Tripolitan Wars of the early 1800s. By one account, Kabyle Berbers in segregated units serving the French fought in Mexico in the 1850s with these. Large hilt suitable for one or two hand use with the first finger locked in the hook below the ring pommel. Exposed tang and thick horn grip scales, the right, incised with decorative geometry. 23 1/8" curved broad fullered blade with characteristic cusped clipped point, back notched at the tip. While it is said that these were made with reused European light cavalry sword blades of 1796 type, this example is hand hammered with slight irregularity to the fuller and decorative scalloping to the back at the forte. Fine age character with graining to the grip, glossy patina to the blade and a few small edge nicks from use. Very seldom encountered.