Saudi Saifs

[Lee]

The last group of additional views; the chape has taken quite a beating over the years...

[A.alnakkas]

Nice photography, Lee.

One observation I have collecting these, is that the ones with the bone hilts almost all have the same identical damage. Its always the bone breaking near the pommel cap, and the repairing is done by gluing (traditional) but when they open the pommel cap for repair, when they return it, they do not put the pin back.. or simply the pin is stuck in the tang and putting a new one is probably a hassle.

[A.alnakkas]

This is the damage I am speaking about. Note the cracks on the bone near the pommel caps.

[Lee]

I am most grateful to A.alnakkas for having answered my questions about the mountings of this saif beyond my expectations and I look forward to his publishing his discoveries about the evolution of the saif.

Perhaps someone could help with interpretation of the blade inscription?

[A.alnakkas]

Hey Lee,

it says Nasrun min Allah wa fat'hun qareeb. (Victory from Allah and close conquest)

The inscription is odd. Likely added later... Also, gulf 'saudi' swords are always with a high polish, even the wootz ones. Only collectors etch them, so likely this one was etched and the inscription added.

[Lee]

Thank you again!

I agree entirely that the gold koftari inscription is more recent than the blade itself. It appears to lie in a very shallow depression with a hatched surface to allow the gold to adhere. It does not appear to be new, however; would it be likely it is early 20th century en suite with the Arabian mountings or is it more likely some fakery added well after the swords 'working life?'

I also agree that this blade has been etched since its departure from Arabia, presumably to enhance visibility of the wootz pattern (but not by me). The main blade surface remains quite smooth and fine dark pigmented material is liberated upon each oiling. Very unfortunately, residues of the etchant likely remained on the blade (very important to neutralize and remove this) and then got transferred to the scabbard, leading to some later rusting. Nothing deep and not correctable by a (culturally appropriate, per above) restoration to a bright polish, though I'll just try to keep it oiled and otherwise leave it alone.

[Miguel]

Originally Posted by Lee

Thank you again!

I agree entirely that the gold koftari inscription is more recent than the blade itself. It appears to lie in a very shallow depression with a hatched surface to allow the gold to adhere. It does not appear to be new, however; would it be likely it is early 20th century en suite with the Arabian mountings or is it more likely some fakery added well after the swords 'working life?'

I also agree that this blade has been etched since its departure from Arabia, presumably to enhance visibility of the wootz pattern (but not by me). The main blade surface remains quite smooth and fine dark pigmented material is liberated upon each oiling. Very unfortunately, residues of the etchant likely remained on the blade (very important to neutralize and remove this) and then got transferred to the scabbard, leading to some later rusting. Nothing deep and not correctable by a (culturally appropriate, per above) restoration to a bright polish, though I'll just try to keep it oiled and otherwise leave it alone.

Hi Lee
Nice thing and great thread, one that I will refer to when I unearth a similar weapon I have in my collection. Thanks for sharing. Miguel