GOOD LARGE SUDANESE SHEATH KNIFE

Mahdist War period, late 19thåÊcentury. Hilt and scabbard encased in finely tooled leather showing northern influence. 23‰۝ total length. The grip in two stages below the ring pommel. Flared base and Tapered scabbard with both ends modeled in two stages as with the grip. Finely tooled throughout in the manner of the northern nomad tribes. The thick bundled leather is similar to Hausa amulets and likely encases Koranic texts. 13 1/8‰۝ broad tapered d.e. blade decorated with medial band of interlocked crescents. The back with sets of addorsed crescents. Excellent for the period with light wear and a small cut or scrape to the scabbard, strictly as expected for its use. Dramatic display.