Very Good Yemenie Saif / Sword

Very good saif from Yemen. The wide blade is of classical saif shape with a wide fuller, widening toward the tip with a raising spine (Yelmen). Horn handle with a pommel reminding the pommel of a Karabella sword and engraved brass cross guard. The grip horn is set with white metal stars and nails. Blue velvet covered scabbard bound with spiral brass strip and mounted with large engraved brass locket and chape.

Blade 24 1/2 inches (52 cm). Total length 32 inches (81 cm). Very good condition. Blackened spots on the blade. Minor losses to the scabbard mounts. The velvet cover is later.

The pommel shape, the mounts decoration and the spiral binding of the scabbard strongly support the Yemenite origin of this sword. Authentic and rare 19 C. Yemenite sword.