Very Rare Original Omdurman Mahdist Shield

We have recently purchsed two original Omdurman period Mahdist shields from a private collection. Both are superb and very rare surviors from this period - I have only see one other and that was over 35 years ago in a private collection - these simply do not show up due to their extreme desirability amongst collectors and their absolute rarity. 

The shield is of classic design with cut outs on either side at 3 and 9 o'clock to faciliate the famous Mahdist spears and domed centre boss formed from the hide. This example displays sword cuts to the edges and signs of real use, as one would expect from these famous shields. This one has a large stain to a quarter of the shield together with sword cuts to the edges of the shield. The stain has been examined and it has been proven to be human blood that has soaked into the hide! There is also a classic british bayonet hole in front of the shield that matches the pattern of bayonets used by the British and shouts at you 'Omdurman' and the numerous other close-run battles during that period between the 'Mad Mahdi' his Mahdist followers and British and Colonial forces.

You will not find another example that is 100% original and once this is gone it is gone - real ones are just so rare.