The 'fly' markings

Gavin Nugent · 30th June 2010, 12:40 AM

I too have a couple of Guild blades in old Indian swords with this mark.
If I can find the time I'll get some images...not enough hours in the day.

Gav

Jim McDougall · 30th June 2010, 01:33 AM

Thanks very much Gav and Stephen for responding.
Gav, it would be great to see these marks seen on trade blades in Indian mounts....these blades certainly travelled far and wide, and the trade between India's western coasts, Arabia and into Africa via the Red Sea are well suggested with these.
Stephen, truly it is a great topic, and hope you will keep us posted on your presentation. Best wishes.

All best regards,
Jim

Gavin Nugent · 3rd July 2010, 04:02 AM

Gents,

An image of the marking found on an early straight balded Tulwar.

Gav

Jim McDougall · 4th July 2010, 07:10 PM

Thank you for posting this Gav!
The marking shown here was also regarded by Sir James Mann as the 'twig' marking, and known to occur in various configurations and numbers on European blades. Its appearance bracketed within the 'eyelash' marks suggests that the blade is indeed European ('firangi). Native applied copies of the markings seldom included these kinds of marks between them as far as I know. Naturally I'd like to hear of exceptions, if readers might respond.

All the best,
Jim

30th June 2010, 12:40 AM	#1
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	Interesting I too have a couple of Guild blades in old Indian swords with this mark. If I can find the time I'll get some images...not enough hours in the day. Gav

3rd July 2010, 04:02 AM	#3
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	an image Gents, An image of the marking found on an early straight balded Tulwar. Gav Attached Images

30th June 2010, 01:33 AM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,583	Thanks very much Gav and Stephen for responding. Gav, it would be great to see these marks seen on trade blades in Indian mounts....these blades certainly travelled far and wide, and the trade between India's western coasts, Arabia and into Africa via the Red Sea are well suggested with these. Stephen, truly it is a great topic, and hope you will keep us posted on your presentation. Best wishes. All best regards, Jim

4th July 2010, 07:10 PM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,583	Thank you for posting this Gav! The marking shown here was also regarded by Sir James Mann as the 'twig' marking, and known to occur in various configurations and numbers on European blades. Its appearance bracketed within the 'eyelash' marks suggests that the blade is indeed European ('firangi). Native applied copies of the markings seldom included these kinds of marks between them as far as I know. Naturally I'd like to hear of exceptions, if readers might respond. All the best, Jim