any ideas on the origin of this ?

Jim McDougall · 8th August 2005, 06:17 PM

Raja Muda,
Brilliant!!! That is exactly what that symbol is!!!
It is the Sikh symbol interestingly known as the 'Khanda' for the representation of that type sword at the center of the symbol, and surrounded by the chakkar (steel quoit). This symbol is officially the emblem of the Khalsa, the Sikh community created to purify the Sikh tradition by Guru Gobind Singh in Anandpur, India in 1699.

The blade appears to be most possibly of early 20th century, and as has been noted, for this particular market. It does not necessarily suggest that the blade was made in India, although it is quite possible that it is a product of the many manufacturers in Rajasthan still producing edged weapons.
Although the Sikh faith has expanded to worldwide communities, it is interesting to consider that the particular style of guardless, shashka type mounts on this blade do not concur with traditional Sikh weapons. It does seem unlikely that a blade of this provenance would end up in Arabia, however it does seem more likely to possibly Afghan or Central Asian regions where the shashka was well known.

Thank you very much for bringing up the Sikh markings!!! Extremely astute observation, and excellent assessment of the Sikh faith.

All best regards,
Jim

RhysMichael · 9th August 2005, 01:21 PM

Steve
No signs of welding but the long ricasso confuses me also. Probably the only way to know for sure would be to remove the handle. Raja and Jim great stuff this place never fails to amaze me at the level of information the members here bring
Thanks

8th August 2005, 06:17 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,193	Raja Muda, Brilliant!!! That is exactly what that symbol is!!! It is the Sikh symbol interestingly known as the 'Khanda' for the representation of that type sword at the center of the symbol, and surrounded by the chakkar (steel quoit). This symbol is officially the emblem of the Khalsa, the Sikh community created to purify the Sikh tradition by Guru Gobind Singh in Anandpur, India in 1699. The blade appears to be most possibly of early 20th century, and as has been noted, for this particular market. It does not necessarily suggest that the blade was made in India, although it is quite possible that it is a product of the many manufacturers in Rajasthan still producing edged weapons. Although the Sikh faith has expanded to worldwide communities, it is interesting to consider that the particular style of guardless, shashka type mounts on this blade do not concur with traditional Sikh weapons. It does seem unlikely that a blade of this provenance would end up in Arabia, however it does seem more likely to possibly Afghan or Central Asian regions where the shashka was well known. Thank you very much for bringing up the Sikh markings!!! Extremely astute observation, and excellent assessment of the Sikh faith. All best regards, Jim

9th August 2005, 01:21 PM	#2
RhysMichael Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Virginia Posts: 520	Steve No signs of welding but the long ricasso confuses me also. Probably the only way to know for sure would be to remove the handle. Raja and Jim great stuff this place never fails to amaze me at the level of information the members here bring Thanks