Very Fine 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 fine exemplar. Heavy fullered long steel blade with gold inlay decoration on the forte which might be an inscription (?). Classical shaped handle with massive R horn grip with a silver pommel cap. Original silver mounted scabbard with heavy silver locket and chape and a central piece with a third loop for an hanging belt, all chased in a classical Moroccan design. The leather separators are tooled and painted deep green. This sword comes with its original heavy cotton baldric belt.

Blade length 334 inches (87 cm). Total length 44 inches (112 cm). Very good condition. The tip of the grip is old repaired with a piece of the right horn but of lightly different color. one of the baldric belt end loops is replaced.

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