decorative Takouba style Saharan sword with straps

 Interesting African sword, clearly from the same regions as the Takouba – Mali , Nigeria or neighbouring sub saharan regions.
The hilt of solid cast brass in the form of a european military type sword with handguard and ribbed grip. Steel blade of heavy weight with markings deeply stamped to the top on both sides, blunted or unsharpened. The scabbard of decorated leather with metal bandings, long fabric hanging straps and tassles, probably early-mid 20th century in date, very good condition. 39 inches long overall, Possible used by the fulani tribe, the hanging material red in colour