Lot #40: Antique Early 20th Century Central Africa Fighting Sword

This is an unusual Central Africa antique short sword. It came from the estate of an executive of an international NGO, who traveled throughout Africa. In each country, she collected items that reflected the place she was in. This sword was one those purchases. It is blacksmith made, hand hammered, probably from the early 20th Century. The straight blade is 18 inches long. At the hilt, it is 1.5 inches wide. It flares out to 4.5 inches wide at the squared off tip. The maker inscribed geometric designs all along both sides of the blade. An example of his expertise, he right angled the middle of the thin blade to give it stiffness and lightness. Overall length is 23.5 inches.The blade shows its age and years of use. The blade is pitted and worn. There are chips and nicks along the edges. But, that said, the darn thing is still sharp enough to cut off awhatever! The turned round handle is wrapped in flattened and embossed copper wire. There is a small drilled hole in the blade about 4.5 inches from the tip. It was there when it was purchased
Measurements: (not set)