Mahdist War period C.1880-85. 7 ¾” heart-shaped blade, 5 ½” width! Both sides completely covered in Thuluth script, with a sacred language of the Mahdist followers and the Whirling Dervish inner circle. The hilt comprised of a fully mounted Nile crocodile leg with the claws intact. Crocodile skin covered scabbard, the segments somewhat shrunk with the seams opened. Blade shows a little wear. Very rare.
