A Strange Discussion on Indian Weapons

Aqtai · 13th August 2005, 09:59 PM

Thanks for letting me know Brian, I managed to persuade my other half to go tomorrow with me, at least I won't be chasing all over the house looking for the collection.

I didn't know about Shivaji's sword, where is it now, not buried deep in some museums reserves I hope?

B.I · 14th August 2005, 09:51 AM

hi aqtai,
worse, i'm afraid. its in the royal collection. there are two shivaji swords, one still in india and the other given to the prince of wales (i think) by shivajis descendents. its either in sandringhan or marlborough house but i dont think its on display.
it has caused controversy for many years of course, as it has been asked to be returned to india, but thats a political conversation that needs avoiding

sandringham is worth a visit, but take binoculars (no joke).

Aqtai · 14th August 2005, 09:41 PM

I am aware that Sandringham has a huge collection of Indian weapons and armour (I suppose HRH could try experiments with katars and Indian mail whenever he feels like it

), I remember seeing an old book with black and white photos of the collection a few years ago. I wasn't aware that Sandringham is open to the public, or is that why I need binoculars

.

I had a wander around Tatton Hall today, all that is left are a few African weapons.

B.I · 14th August 2005, 10:43 PM

hi aqtai,
the royal collections are really worth seeing. sandringham and windsor both have a fair amount on show, but they have much more that is inaccessable. the frustrating thing is you pass corridors full of weapons that are cordoned off.
there are some great displays in sandringham, but much is mounted very high on the wall, hence the need for binoculors. honestly, if you do go you will really regret not taking them.
marlborough house isnt open to the public, as far as i know.
the queens armourer is a really nice guy, and used to work in the V&A. he has a vested interest in indian arms from his previous post, so maybe displays or exhibitions can happen in the future.

13th August 2005, 09:59 PM	#1
Aqtai Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Merseyside, UK Posts: 222	Thanks for letting me know Brian, I managed to persuade my other half to go tomorrow with me, at least I won't be chasing all over the house looking for the collection. I didn't know about Shivaji's sword, where is it now, not buried deep in some museums reserves I hope?

14th August 2005, 09:51 AM	#2
B.I Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 485	hi aqtai, worse, i'm afraid. its in the royal collection. there are two shivaji swords, one still in india and the other given to the prince of wales (i think) by shivajis descendents. its either in sandringhan or marlborough house but i dont think its on display. it has caused controversy for many years of course, as it has been asked to be returned to india, but thats a political conversation that needs avoiding sandringham is worth a visit, but take binoculars (no joke).

14th August 2005, 09:41 PM	#3
Aqtai Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Merseyside, UK Posts: 222	I am aware that Sandringham has a huge collection of Indian weapons and armour (I suppose HRH could try experiments with katars and Indian mail whenever he feels like it ), I remember seeing an old book with black and white photos of the collection a few years ago. I wasn't aware that Sandringham is open to the public, or is that why I need binoculars . I had a wander around Tatton Hall today, all that is left are a few African weapons.

14th August 2005, 10:43 PM	#4
B.I Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 485	hi aqtai, the royal collections are really worth seeing. sandringham and windsor both have a fair amount on show, but they have much more that is inaccessable. the frustrating thing is you pass corridors full of weapons that are cordoned off. there are some great displays in sandringham, but much is mounted very high on the wall, hence the need for binoculors. honestly, if you do go you will really regret not taking them. marlborough house isnt open to the public, as far as i know. the queens armourer is a really nice guy, and used to work in the V&A. he has a vested interest in indian arms from his previous post, so maybe displays or exhibitions can happen in the future.