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Originally Posted by Jim McDougall
Ibrahiim thank you for the link, and its good to revisit those images of this museum's collections, pretty breathtaking weaponry.
As you note, the lettering in linear configuration and parallel see on the khanda in #24 is in sense probably of the type which appears to be duplicated in the blade of this tulwar.
The blade on that khanda (in #24) does appear to be 'firangi', that is European, and these kinds of inscriptions are often acrostics, or using the first letter of words in invocations, phrases or slogans. These are often enclosed by various interpretations of the cross, in the case on this tulwar apparently the four dot version .
At the base of the inscribed letters on the khanda blade, these are much broader and inscribed rather than stamped, but of the acrostic type, and the large capital 'S' letters are believed to represent 'sacrificum sanctum' or such abbreviated and associated inclusions along with the large Greek cross.
While these letters in this tulwar are apparently very worn and indiscernible it does become tempting to think this blade may indeed be an earlier European blade rather than Indian produced with such influences.
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Thanks Jim, I suspected that this was a more important and older blade than a lot of run of the mill Tulvar now hitting the markets and as other regions slow down ...the big suppliers from India, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran seem to be filling the void... in the case of items hitting souks here...viz; Muttrah, Salalah and Sharjah. Thanks for researching the style and possible meaning also...
It is very much appreciated how much time and trouble you go through to expand on these ethnographics and it must be an inspiration to new people and other members alike. Bravo Sir !!
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.
