An interestingIndian(?) weapon

B.I · 10th October 2005, 01:05 AM

i'm afraid jens is away at the moment (actually heading my way, with a couple of fun-filled days planned) so maybe i should try and fill in.
it is a zagnhal of course, but i first assumed it to be a made up piece of various elements. the top spike looks persian, like the spike of a late 19thC khud (which is also threaded), and the blade look of a much older form, with its heavy form, its angled curve and thickened tip - almost like a 16/17thC chillanum.
however, the thickened central rib is too crude to be of this early type, so i doubt it. looking again, i think its probably all en-suite, but of the same period as the decorative khuds (mid to late 19thC). the silver decoration is definately of a late 19thC type, but this doesnt always mean the decoation is the same date as the actual piece. one this one, i think it is though.
either way, i doubt its a fighting piece, in this frail construction. the gap between the blade and 'quillion block' is worrying, and made me think it could be an older blade added on, but i think it was just put together as a showy thing, and so a hardy construction was not necessary. zaghnals were made into the 20thC, with the really late ones trying to be something they werent. this isnt the case with this one. it is a 19thC piece and its form is typical of this period. the mid 20thC pieces were trying to be 18thC, and many people were/are fooled.
i had a good example once, but traded it on some time ago.
lee's example shows the sturdy fighting form (at least in the head) and his shows a good age.
zaghnals are nice things, with lots of pleasure had in swinging them around when no one is looking :-)
andrew, nice guess on my avatar but no cigar

10th October 2005, 01:05 AM	#9
B.I Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 485	i'm afraid jens is away at the moment (actually heading my way, with a couple of fun-filled days planned) so maybe i should try and fill in. it is a zagnhal of course, but i first assumed it to be a made up piece of various elements. the top spike looks persian, like the spike of a late 19thC khud (which is also threaded), and the blade look of a much older form, with its heavy form, its angled curve and thickened tip - almost like a 16/17thC chillanum. however, the thickened central rib is too crude to be of this early type, so i doubt it. looking again, i think its probably all en-suite, but of the same period as the decorative khuds (mid to late 19thC). the silver decoration is definately of a late 19thC type, but this doesnt always mean the decoation is the same date as the actual piece. one this one, i think it is though. either way, i doubt its a fighting piece, in this frail construction. the gap between the blade and 'quillion block' is worrying, and made me think it could be an older blade added on, but i think it was just put together as a showy thing, and so a hardy construction was not necessary. zaghnals were made into the 20thC, with the really late ones trying to be something they werent. this isnt the case with this one. it is a 19thC piece and its form is typical of this period. the mid 20thC pieces were trying to be 18thC, and many people were/are fooled. i had a good example once, but traded it on some time ago. lee's example shows the sturdy fighting form (at least in the head) and his shows a good age. zaghnals are nice things, with lots of pleasure had in swinging them around when no one is looking :-) andrew, nice guess on my avatar but no cigar