Antique Ethiopian Military Sword (Shotel), Reign of Menelik II

Description

We lived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for several years in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
This antique sword was purchased at that time from one of the many stalls in the central Mercato.
We’ve owned it for over 50 years.
We are now in the process of downsizing.
I’m offering this item, and several others, on eBay to fulfill a longstanding resolution.
Too much stuff!
There is quite a bit of information available on-line regarding the Ethiopian Shotel sword used by members of the Army of the Ethiopian Emperor Menelik II.
These are desirable collectibles.
If you are checking out this listing, you probably already know way more about these swords than I do.
My understanding is that the steel blades were imported, and the wooden grip with its brass disk on the pommel was added locally.
The design of the attached brass disk is important in dating the sword, and in determining the military group that used it.
The sword blade and one-piece wooden handle show their age and have a natural patina.
There is a hairline crack on one side of the handle, the blade is tarnished with some pitting near the tip.
The part of the blade near the hilt shows remnants of decorative cross hatching.
Please look at the photos carefully.
Thank you for viewing.
I will pack carefully and ship promptly.