Inscription on tulwar help!

[mariusgmioc]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Salaams AkaaliSingh This is an interesting blade although it appears to have attracted some doubt as to originality but that is a very difficult task to perform on a photograph ...nevertheless it is interesting from that viewpoint...and discussion about originality aren't all bad..
From my perspective I am interested in the Talismanic square used to decorate this blade and the other inscriptions noting the dotted style in application. I see that the inscription was inlaid with gold and that this has mostly worn off. Perhaps gold work has been applied/reapplied to the hilt and then an older blade has been matched?
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Hello Ibrahiim,

The inscription was ORIGINALLY inlaid in gold, as the dotted traces that we see now served to fix the gold wire that was applied thereto. This is one of the classic forms of damascening.

Both the style of the cartouches and the technique seem to be typically Persian to me.

The talismanic square usually contained different combinations of numbers as you can see in the book "Arms and Armor from Iran" by Mr. Moshtagh Khorasani (page 148).