In good condition, an early 20C Ethiopian National Guard (Mehal Sefari) Sword & Scabbard
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Circa 1930 (Haile Selassie / Emperor Menelik II era). The curved steel imported blade etched with floral design and inscriptions in Aramaic, plus the Lion of Judah coat of arms of the Emperor to hilt’s langet. Most likely a French or possibly German made blade / sword, imported for the Ethiopians by their agents N.H. & FILS of France & Luxembourg.
The period sharpened 30 3/4 inch blade is well acid etched blade with narrow back fuller is in good condition, minimal rust, some wear, firm in the hilt. The hilt / stirrup guard is probably a steel alloy has some wear, small amount of distortion and a nick, but is good still. The grooved walnut grip has wear and a small chip or two, plus has lost most of its twisted grip wire bindings. The leather scabbard has age, some shrinkage and wear, but is good. The sword sheathes and draws tightly due to the scabbard leather shrinking a little.
Interesting piece of history and not that many on the market. A gem, a bargain at just was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference ZZ87. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 1794-104x15x14 (1.556)
