A Moroccan Nimcha Short Sword with Inlaid Wood Hilt and Scabbard, Circa 1900.

A Moroccan Nimcha Short Sword with Inlaid Wood Hilt and Scabbard, Circa 1900. This fine Moroccan Nimcha shortsword, dating to approximately 1900, exemplifies the distinctive martial aesthetic and craftsmanship of the Maghreb. The curved steel blade, featuring original etched decorative patterns. The hilt is masterfully carved from wood into the traditional nimcha form, characterized by its "hooked" pommel and an iron guard with distinctive forward-curving quillons. Both the hilt and the matching wooden scabbard are intricately inlaid with white metal wire in geometric interlacing patterns, further embellished with a vibrant red pigment infill on the forward-facing surfaces. Broad yellow metal bands encircle the scabbard, providing both structural reinforcement and a refined aesthetic contrast to the dark wood. Measuring 40 cm in total length, this piece represents a sophisticated fusion of North African decorative arts and functional weapon design from the turn of the 20th century. The item is in good condition.