These swords are believed to have been carried by the Imperial Guards of Ethiopia. They are very similar to European swords of the period and date from the late 1800s. Sword is complete with scabbard and belt. Hilt is European P-guard style with lion-head pommel, brass with nickel-silver plate (about 40% remaining); grip material appears to be gutta-percha.
Blade is of unknown manufacture on this sword but they can be found with African or European origin blades. Overall length of this example out of scabbard is ~35-1/2"; blade length is ~30-1/2". Scabbard appears to be a all leather, black, as is the belt; steel buckle. Various designs embossed on scabbard.