Arab Saif with Rare and Early ANDREA FERARA 17 c. blade

A large group of  Arab swords know as “Saif” reminds in a way the Moroccan Nimcha, mainly in the handle construction. The hilt is of unusual design and has a big steel ring forged with the cross guard and the “D” guard. The blades lightly curved and fullered,  are mostly imported European blades extensively traded in the 19 C. to all of the middle east and Africa. these sword are coming from the South Arabian peninsula, Yemen and Oman. Several sources mention that they were produced in the island of Zanzibar in the 19^th C.

However, earlier similar swords are also coming from this region. Swords makers were using every available good blades as the case is here. An early 17 C. blade signed ANDREA FERARA  is mounted with this style of handle . The blade is straight single edged and double edged to half of its length. The grip is wood and the cross guard is steel. Wood scabbard covered with chased brass and mounted with two hanging rings.

Blade 28 inches (71 cm) long, 2 inches (5 cm) wide. Total length 35 inches (89 cm). very good condition to age. Age crack on he wood grip.

Andrea Ferara the legendary sword maker, born in Italy and moved to Scotland in the 16 C. His name was marked on many Scotts broad blades as a mark of quality.