Indo-Tibetan?

Jim McDougall · 21st October 2008, 05:35 AM

I agree with Rick, this sword seems to have the distinctly recognizable Tibetan trefoil pommel from the 'ke tri' swords, and the guard which is clearly intended to complete the theme en suite with the pommel has some remote recollection of a Chinese jian. The horn grip seems quite atypical as do the inlays.
That the sword is most likely Indian, as described, seems reflected by the blade, and in Pant (p.83), the type of blade which has representations of various incarnations of Vishnu chiselled in low relief, in seven compartments, is termed a 'dashavatari' talwar. While this blade is clearly chiselled halfway, the style seems in accord, and the deeply multichanneled remainder of the blade is reminiscent of Persian blades, especially with the pronounced yelman.

This sword seems clearly ceremonial, and I am wondering if possibly it might be a votive piece, and it does seem 19th century.

Best regards,
Jim

21st October 2008, 05:35 AM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,200	I agree with Rick, this sword seems to have the distinctly recognizable Tibetan trefoil pommel from the 'ke tri' swords, and the guard which is clearly intended to complete the theme en suite with the pommel has some remote recollection of a Chinese jian. The horn grip seems quite atypical as do the inlays. That the sword is most likely Indian, as described, seems reflected by the blade, and in Pant (p.83), the type of blade which has representations of various incarnations of Vishnu chiselled in low relief, in seven compartments, is termed a 'dashavatari' talwar. While this blade is clearly chiselled halfway, the style seems in accord, and the deeply multichanneled remainder of the blade is reminiscent of Persian blades, especially with the pronounced yelman. This sword seems clearly ceremonial, and I am wondering if possibly it might be a votive piece, and it does seem 19th century. Best regards, Jim