Tulwar bought on Sunday, 09.02.25

David R · 12th February 2025, 04:33 PM

Last of the items bought last Sunday, a fairly typical Tulwar but with enough differences to make it worth posting here for comment and advice. At first sight mounting a western made trade blade, two narrow fullers and a long ricasso, and a western style spearpoint and false edge. It has a full length tang peened at the base of the hilt! The hilt is white metal, probably "Paktong" (白銅) or similar, and has some fine engraved decoration. I have some thoughts, but I am reserving them as I am more interested in what others have to say first.

Battara · 12th February 2025, 08:36 PM

Interesting chasing work. Makes me think it was rehiltd with the top being brass and the peened top.

David R · 12th February 2025, 09:22 PM

Not brass at all, it's all a dull silver in colour, the yellow colour is due to the light. From wikipedia, "A naturally occurring ore composition in China was smelted into the alloy known as paktong or báitóng (白銅) ('white copper' or cupro nickel)."

It's a fairly common silver substitute in the East, and was imported into Europe The earliest European mention of paktong occurs in the year 1597. From then until the end of the eighteenth century there are references to it as having been exported from Canton to Europe.

Jim McDougall · 15th February 2025, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David R

Not brass at all, it's all a dull silver in colour, the yellow colour is due to the light. From wikipedia, "A naturally occurring ore composition in China was smelted into the alloy known as paktong or báitóng (白銅) ('white copper' or cupro nickel)."

It's a fairly common silver substitute in the East, and was imported into Europe The earliest European mention of paktong occurs in the year 1597. From then until the end of the eighteenth century there are references to it as having been exported from Canton to Europe.

David, this is a GREAT bit of information, and really important to note in the dilemmas we face in identifying these swords which often have these odd metallic characteristics. Thank you so much!!! Going in my notes in block letters

David R · 29th January 2026, 07:51 PM

Giving this post a bump, as it seems to have sunk into oblivion.

Rick · 29th January 2026, 09:42 PM

No oblivion David. Looking at one of my tulwars I see that the blade form is quite similar. It is so sharp it will cut you if you look at it the wrong way.

I use mine to practice draw cuts on pool noodles.

12th February 2025, 04:33 PM	#1
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,145	Tulwar bought on Sunday, 09.02.25 Last of the items bought last Sunday, a fairly typical Tulwar but with enough differences to make it worth posting here for comment and advice. At first sight mounting a western made trade blade, two narrow fullers and a long ricasso, and a western style spearpoint and false edge. It has a full length tang peened at the base of the hilt! The hilt is white metal, probably "Paktong" (白銅) or similar, and has some fine engraved decoration. I have some thoughts, but I am reserving them as I am more interested in what others have to say first. Attached Images

12th February 2025, 08:36 PM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,368	Interesting chasing work. Makes me think it was rehiltd with the top being brass and the peened top.

12th February 2025, 09:22 PM	#3
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,145	Not brass at all, it's all a dull silver in colour, the yellow colour is due to the light. From wikipedia, "A naturally occurring ore composition in China was smelted into the alloy known as paktong or báitóng (白銅) ('white copper' or cupro nickel)." It's a fairly common silver substitute in the East, and was imported into Europe The earliest European mention of paktong occurs in the year 1597. From then until the end of the eighteenth century there are references to it as having been exported from Canton to Europe.

29th January 2026, 07:51 PM	#5
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,145	Giving this post a bump, as it seems to have sunk into oblivion.

29th January 2026, 09:42 PM	#6
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,387	No oblivion David. Looking at one of my tulwars I see that the blade form is quite similar. It is so sharp it will cut you if you look at it the wrong way. I use mine to practice draw cuts on pool noodles.