Recently made Omani Kattara / Saif

[Iain]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Salaams Iain ~ I agree however Iconization is an ongoing process since this is living history through the Funoon...The tradition. It is entirely acceptable in this country to add a royal hilt to an old battle sword . In our case we either silver adorn the old hilt or in the case of a rehilt retain the remnants intact of the old hilt and present that framed alongside the iconized item with a certificate and photos. Taking off the old hilt takes 5 minutes as it is only secured with two rivvets and no damage occurs... Im afraid this line of discussion was kicked off with apparent mischief as the only motivator and I tire of such rediculous diversions by others.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Hi Ibrahiim, I'm glad to hear the rehilting is non invasive and in keeping with the traditions of the culture that produced it. I'm on the extreme end of "don't touch anything" with antiques so I have a bit of an allergic reaction to rehilting.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

oops double entry ... see below

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Iain

Hi Ibrahiim, I'm glad to hear the rehilting is non invasive and in keeping with the traditions of the culture that produced it. I'm on the extreme end of "don't touch anything" with antiques so I have a bit of an allergic reaction to rehilting.

Salaams Iain ~ I completely understand and thank you for your posts which are always constructive and well placed. This is only one of a few hilts I have done including a nice Indian dagger ... However I do a lot of Khanjar hilts that have fallen apart (and anyway they are interchangeable)and we make new Khanjars for the high end UAE market that demands brand new superb quality items. I have a few swords that I wouldnt touch ... they just grow old gracefully and without hilts... so we have a similar outlook.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi