Tulwar with Koftgari

Jim McDougall · 18th December 2020, 06:39 PM

Looks like pretty much the well known tulwar hilt form of Rajasthan from about mid 19th c. +, it seems well used by Rajputs and Sikhs. The 'stepped' ricasso' seems to be more an Indian favored feature and thought to be to accommodate the much debated finger around the quillon practice.
This was the reason this feature on blades was termed 'the Indian Ricasso'.

It has often been argued that the forefinger around the quillon outside the guard endangered it, however it has been generally noted that sword to sword combat in India was rare, and parrying was 'the work of the shield'.

The hilt looks like it has silver metal application which it may be what is known 'bidri' technique, silver over black .

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18th December 2020, 06:39 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,195	Looks like pretty much the well known tulwar hilt form of Rajasthan from about mid 19th c. +, it seems well used by Rajputs and Sikhs. The 'stepped' ricasso' seems to be more an Indian favored feature and thought to be to accommodate the much debated finger around the quillon practice. This was the reason this feature on blades was termed 'the Indian Ricasso'. It has often been argued that the forefinger around the quillon outside the guard endangered it, however it has been generally noted that sword to sword combat in India was rare, and parrying was 'the work of the shield'. The hilt looks like it has silver metal application which it may be what is known 'bidri' technique, silver over black .