Hi! New member here, came mostly so that I could get help figuring out what something my godfather left behind for me, but staying because these forums have so much interesting conversation!

That being said, I don't even know where to start and have absolutely no information on this thing, whether it's something like an antique, a replica, or heck, something he made. There is no identifying maker's mark on the blade as far as I can tell.

Also, sorry for the shoddy pictures.

Thanks in advance!

[ Linked Image ]

[ Linked Image ]

African, Sahara or Sahel, probably Tuareg. (These are usually described as Tuareg, but there are non-Tuareg examples out there, thus "probably".)

These are usually called "telek" (sometimes "gozma" or other names). The cross-shaped pommel is characteristic.

This one looks fairly recent (late 20th century?), and possibly made for tourist sale.

Some examples and discussion:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=19832
http://www.vikingsword.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000157.html

Huh. Just kinda' flipping through google and those links at work, and I could see that as being a definite possibility. I'd be amused if it was some kind of tourist souvenir though, because I've had this thing for years and always pretended like it was something really cool. Buuuut.. SYKE!