THE FIRST DATED 1868

Details

A SILVER-MOUNTED ABYSSINIAN KASKARA AND A MACHETE
The first dated 1868
The first with straight double-edged European blade (some surface pitting) with two fullers on each face etched with scrolls and strapwork, the ricasso etched on one side with the Abyssinian crowned lion and on the other with maker's initials 'G.G', silver quillons of diamond section swelling at the tips, plain ivory grip inlaid on one side with a silver 'tau' cross and with silver collars, and reeded cylindrical silver pommel, in its original tooled red leather scabbard with silver mounts including central band engraved 'Magdala 13th April 1868'; the second entirely of brass with curved single-edged blade inlaid in silver on one side 'LEG.XXII.', and with a silver coin of the Roman Emperor Postumus inset in the brass pommel
29¼in. (74.2cm.) and 21¼in. (54cm.) blades (2)

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Lot Essay

The battle of Magdala was fought in 1868, to release a number of European subjects held hostage by the King of Abyssinia. Sir Robert Napier (later Lord Napier of Magdala) lead an expeditionary force over 400 miles through rough country to effect a rescue, and the resulting battle was a resounding British victory. A number of streets and even pubs were named after the battle and a statue of Lord Napier was erected in Calcutta. It now rests in Queen's Gate, ironically only a stone's throw from the Ethiopian Embassy

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