Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

ariel · 24th July 2019, 03:59 AM

I am wondering whether it had ever had a crossguard.
As to the degree of restoration, there are 2 schools: one ( Artzi Yarom or Charles, for example) believe that weapons should be returned to their fighting condition; another ( Jim, myself and many others) cherish “ kisses of time”. Both are based on solid grounds, and the choice belongs to the owner. Your argument about engravings is fully legitimate.
My exceptions are severe mechanical deterioration and uncovering features hidden by patina ( mainly Damascus construction). Others will think differently.
Wallace Collection is full of highly polished but not etched blades. My guess that many of them are wootz.
There are as many collections as there are collectors.

BTW, very good nimcha !

24th July 2019, 03:59 AM	#6
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	I am wondering whether it had ever had a crossguard. As to the degree of restoration, there are 2 schools: one ( Artzi Yarom or Charles, for example) believe that weapons should be returned to their fighting condition; another ( Jim, myself and many others) cherish “ kisses of time”. Both are based on solid grounds, and the choice belongs to the owner. Your argument about engravings is fully legitimate. My exceptions are severe mechanical deterioration and uncovering features hidden by patina ( mainly Damascus construction). Others will think differently. Wallace Collection is full of highly polished but not etched blades. My guess that many of them are wootz. There are as many collections as there are collectors. BTW, very good nimcha !