Fine Early Long Nimcha Sword

Nimcha. the classical sword of Morocco is locally called Saif (Sword). Its unique handle shape is believed to be inspired from earlier Italian swords (See Eric Claude below). The Nimcha sword with its unique shaped handle was wide spread all over the Islamic world in variety of styles.

The Nimcha offered here is a very good and complete exemplar with good provenance that set it to mid19 C or earlier.  Fullered long steel blade. Classical shaped handle with massive R horn grip with a silver pommel cap and richly gold koftgari inlay decoration on the cross guard, langets and D guard. Original fabric covered and silver mounted scabbard with chased silver locket and chape both marked with early silver proof marks.

Blade length 32 inches (82 cm). Total length 38 1/2 inches (98 cm). Very good condition. Minor blackened spots on the blade. Few dents on the silver parts. The fabric cover of the scabbard is lightly stained.

Provenance: From the collection of General Nicolas Changarnier (1793 – 1877), a French army general member of the Legion of Honor and for several years served in Algier.  

See also: Eric Claude "The Small Catalog of Moroccan and Algerian Edged Weapons" Page 103 and on.