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Originally Posted by Jeff D
Hi Alex,
Thanks for the update. Tiflis origin makes perfect sense. You may find similar patterns in Georgian Kindjals. Was there any mention on which aspects localize the blade to Tifilis rather than else where in the Caucasas?
The mounts on this one certainly do look like modern Arabic additions, which I wouldn't argue with Saqr over, however i have seen Georgian mounts with similar quillion blocks ( http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/photos.php?id=2408 ). Perhaps it may be original?
Very nice collection and I look forward to seeing more.
Jeff
P.S. Often there is more corrosion and pitting under the the scabbard mounts as this traps and holds mosture. |
Nice to hear from you Jeff,
As to that sword, and this style of arab sword especially, I always believed that this style is an import into arabia, I wouldnt think that it goes back any further than the 17th century. As you have noticed, there is alot of resemblance to georgian sabres, and people of central arabia, Nejd, where this sword design is found, call it a 'gurda', not a saif, which itself is a loanword. If you look at other Georgian sabres for auction on Hermann Historica, you will also see how similar they are to arabian sabres, with the quillions, hilts, the obtuse angled pommels, and fine hilt chains. Even when you take alook at the blades, most georgian sabres sport tri-fullered, almost straight blades, a blade feature that more than 50% of all nejdi sabres have. Also, the belts used to suspend Georgian swords, are identical in method and concept to those used to suspend arab sabres. However, it is very hard to certify anything, as most arab sabres as you know sport trade blades, european, persian, indian, caucasian, turkish, and only a few have locally made blades.
http://www.hermann-historica.de/aukt...db=kat51_p.txt
http://www.hermann-historica.de/aukt...db=kat51_p.txt
Unfortunately, knowledge surrounding these swords and their relative time periods is scarce, and I am trying hard to dig it out, from people living in other countries than I am.