A newly aquired Kirach

[Stan S.]

In my collection of Indian swords, aside from the numerous tulwars/shamshirs, I have a representation of most classic uncommon shapes from the sub-continent. I have a sukhela, 2 patissas, a sosun patta, a firanghi, a cora, and a pata. One blade that managed to elude me all this time to the point where I have not even had a chance to handle one is that of a kirach. Strangely I found these to be either rarely available or far beyond my budgetary means. Imagine my surprise when while browsing eBay a few weeks ago I stumbled upon a seller in the UK selling a bunch of low-end tulwars, one of which had a rather peculiarly shaped blade... There was virtually no description provided other than "antique tulwar - all sales are final". The sword was nothing spectacular and the pictures were blurry, so at first I thought this to be another straight-bladed sukhela dating from the late 19th century due to simple brass hilt. However, upon doing a double take I noticed what looked like a slight curve of the scabbard with a corresponding downcurve to the blade in relation to a ricasso.

So I took my chances and placed a bid winning this sword at around $85 shipped. Now that it had arrived and I have some of my own pictures to show, I will let you be a judge as to what I got here. I will say however, that aside from some surface rust spots (which should clean off easily), the blade, while not wootz and unmarked, is made of a good quality, springy steel. The curvature is much more evident when you hold the sword, which is quite sharp, very light weight and superbly balanced. Needless to say I am quite happy with my purchase. Could this be one of the swords allegedly issued to Sikh artillery troops?



The first 3 pictures are from the seller (just showing what I had to base my initial judgment on), the rest are mine: