Here on offer is an antique late 19th century North African Sudanese Islamic, Mahdist Dervish, arm dagger with a leather and snake skin scabbard.It dates from the Mahdist War period, a revolutionary insurrection against the British colonial rule in Sudan, which took place in 1881-1899.It was called the Mahdist War since the Sudanese leader Muhammad Ahmad bin Abd Allah (محمد أحمد ابن عبد الله‎) 1848-85 proclaimed himself ' Mahdi of Islam' (the 'Guided One').The leather-wrapped hilt has a distinctive form, comprising of a slim grip adorned with finely braided dark brown leather straps and surmounted by the triangular flat iron pommel.The hand-forged steel blade is double-edged with a central slightly raised spine, tapering to a point.It comes with its original hand tooled leather and snake skin scabbard with a bulbous tip. There is a thick braided ring on the back near the scabbard throat that has the braided arm loop passing through it.These daggers were carried on the upper left arm for rapid access with the right hand, hidden beneath clothing.It is in excellent example for the period in fine preservation with fine patina, but the blade is slightly stained/ pitted.The blade measures 6.4' (16.2cm) long and the knife is 10.25' (26cm) in total length.It weighs 100g.Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.