Arm Dagger
Sudanese Arab
Khedivate of Egypt, Ottoman Egypt (Upper Egypt - Sudan)
Mid- 19th century (ca. 1870)
Steel, wood, silver, leather, crocodile skin
Blade: 17,1cm
Hilt & Blade: 26cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 28,6cm
Collection Date: 2020
Collection Number: 105

Ex. American Art Market (2020)

A very early Sudanese arm dagger from Northeastern Sudan to the Khartoum region. Many were produced in this style in the twin cities of Khartoum / Omdurman of the Nile Valley. Typically, this type of arm dagger was worn with the blade facing upwards hidden on the left arm. This example was worn on the belt more in line with European fashion, likely based on British arms during the early colonial period.

The straight steel blade is double- edged, with a slightly raised center and medial ridge. The hilt carved from a hardwood with flared ends. Silver pommel plate beaded with silver filigree wire edges. The bottom of the plate engraved with stippled stars and geometric designs. Silver pommel cap on the end. The central grip is bound in silver wire. Leather sheath with crocodile skin. On the reverse, a belt loop in European style. Silver chape with silver granules and filigree rings. A very early Sudanese arm dagger compared to most.

[1] https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Af1961-07-1-a

[2] https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Af1954-23-2653-a-b

[3] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=4608

[4] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=3951

[5] https://www.swordsantiqueweapons.com/s694_full.html

[6] https://vikingsword.com/lew/w0106/w0106.html

[7] http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=16638&highlight=sudanese+dagger+comment

[8] https://www.gardnermuseum.org/experience/collection/19744 (Early Arm Dagger ca. 1874/5)