Lot 40: North African Nimcha Sword with Gold Washed Blade

North African Nimcha Sword from the 19th Century. The sword has the distinctive downward curved quillions and pommel which joins the guard to protect the back of the hand. The sword has a bone handle, gold washed guard, quillions, and 35 inch double fuller, single edge blade with flat back. The guard and lower third of the blade are etched with Arabian scroll work with gold wash. The sword has a cloth covered wooden scabbard with brass throat suspension rings and drag. The base of the grip and the scabbard throat and drag are decorated with enamel inlaid oriental designs.

Very good. The blade has some age discoloration and retains about 50% of the gold wash. The bone handle has a number of hair-line cracks. Most of the enamel filler is missing from the decorative inlays.