RonHen, welcome, thank you for the kind words about our forum, and most of all thank you for posting this fabulous tulwar!
Lew, how astutely observed! This tulwar was indeed sold from Gavs website. I am always amazed at the incredible items he seems to find, and this one was of course among them. Its great to have the opportunity to openly discuss it here now that the fortunate new owner has shared it with us.
The cartouche on the blade near the langet is similar to examples I have seen in the same location on a number of tulwar blades, most of which seem attributed to the 18th century. These blades were of the same heft and curvature (I am told heavier blades are earlier, often into 17th century) but this is the first I have ever seen with watered steel. I also had a 17th century tulwar blade with remarkably similar cartouche in the exact same blade location and was told it was in Urdu. This language was of course a lingua francia in the Northwest Frontier regions (in early times Afghanistan was ostensibly part of India).
It is notable as well that the blades of Afghan paluoars commonly carry these markings of the paired arcs with triple dots at each end. These are the well known 'sickle' marks which originated as guild marks in Northern Italy, becoming copied in Germany, Styria and later in the Caucusus (as the 'gurda' mark) as quality symbols. The 'sun' type marks as seen here appear to be copies of other similar European markings found often on trade blades.
Another key feature which suggests northwest India provenance is the hilt form, along with the distinct radiating striations on the pommel dish. These are known on examples of Afghan paluoars of 17th-18th c. (Pant CX) and the langet with triple dots seems to be in accord with these motifs as well.
While there are no set references which catalog or list the known markings of arsenals or armouries in India, I know we have discussed these many times over many years here. The research continues and I know that a number of times Jens has asked for members to share markings on thier examples to be discussed and hopefully discovering reliable consistancies, but as yet only a few are reliably noted.
I think this tulwar however is well classified as of Northern India regions and of the form representing 17th into 18th century styles. The cartouche is likely an acceptance or arsenal stamp, as yet not classified, but seems consistant with these periods and regions. The use of the apparantly native applied interpretation of the European quality marks is consistant with practice of makers in these regions as well, along with the hilt motif features.
Clearly this would seem to be most likely a Mughal weapon, particularly with the cartouche and watered steel blade. I think it is worthy of note that the sun symbolism was also extremely significant in Persia and with Mughals as well.
All best regards,
Jim
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