Since all the fields I have permission to hunt in the area where I work are planted and almost all other fields as well, I detected a local park that was once a German military training area.  The pull tabs were killing me (respect to the park hunters) but I managed a nice 925 silver sword necklace charm that says HZ. ALI on it, its a cute little thing about 1.25" long.  Tossed the pouch full of pull tabs in the nearest trash can and walked away contented after an hour of detecting.  That was yesterdays hunt, I managed to find a field today, post later.  HH, Mike

Hi BavariaMike!

I'll try to help you, but it's a little bit difficult and complicated.
I saw such sabers before and I think it has to do with a persuasion of the Islam, the Alevites. (but i'm not sure)
First three links about Alevits
Wikipedia (English):   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alevites
Wikipeda (German):  http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aleviten
Alevitentum: http://www.alevitentum.de/
I think this saber is a sign of this religion, but I couldn't find a junction between this saber and the Alevites in the Internet.
I have a friend who is a member of this persuasion and I'll ask him about this (if I don't forget it)

Then about the inscription "Hz. Ali"
Hz Ali is also called Alī ibn Abī Tālib and was a cousin of Mohammed.
Here three links about him:
Wikipedia (English):   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali_ibn_Abi_Talib
Wikipedia (German): http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali_ibn_Abi_Talib
http://www.alevitentum.de/Hz__Ali/hz__ali.html

But there are not only Aleviten but also Alawiten which is not the same. But both persuasions have to do with Hz. Ali.

You see, this is a very complicated topic.

So I'll ask my friend on Monday to solve this "riddle" completly.

I hope I could help you a little.

Schöne Grüße
Christoph

Ok!

Today I have asked my friend.
This sabor is a sign of the religion of the alevites. It is a symbol of their fight against injustice.(so he told me)
Ali was a son-in-law and a cousin of Mohammed.

mfg
Christoph