Drop pointed straight bladed tulwar, what purpose?

Jens Nordlunde · 20th November 2017, 09:35 PM

Yes it looks like a kirach to me as well.

Jim McDougall · 20th November 2017, 10:08 PM

It sure appears compellingly to be a kirach OK.
Not to begin any name game stuff, but I am wondering, could this, or any kirach (straight blade tulwar as I understand) be with 'firangi' blade.
This blade looks remarkably like some 18th century hanger blades usually from Germany, with that same single groove along the back of blade.

Kmaddock · 20th November 2017, 10:22 PM

Thanks for the thumbs up on it being probably a kirach
As I said earlier all I was hoping for was a straight bladed Tulwar, looks as if I have something more exotic again

As for condition this is exactly what I wanted, it will never be a beautiful item but it oozes history to me and for something that is around 200 years old I think it is in good condition.

I will get all the active rid rust off it but I will leave it in it’s probable blackened state underneath as I am not into over cleaning my items.

I will put some images up of the semi cleaned item, I have projects to write up @nd assignments to correct so a busy week

Regards to all

Ken

Jens Nordlunde · 21st November 2017, 09:50 PM

Jim,
As far as I see it, there are two narrow fullers - and not one. Does that change you mind about a possible European origin?
To me the blade looks Indian.
Jens

Jim McDougall · 21st November 2017, 11:33 PM

Jens,
You are right, I think I need new glasses. Agree, Indian blade.

ariel · 22nd November 2017, 02:03 AM

I have seen a couple of tulwars with misaligned hilt and blade combination. I think there is one for sale on e-bay right now.

Originally, I thought it was done on purpose, to increase the cutting ability of the sword ( similar to Georgian Kabiani Khmali), but that was far too exotic an explanation,

The marriage between the blade and the hilt was done in a hurry. First, the handle was filled with molten mastique and then a red-hot tang was forcefully inserted and everything was allowed to cool and solidify.

A little error or just inattention and the alignment was off.

This process was repeated several times during the life of a sword because the mastique dried out and crumbled, especially with repeat blows. Thus, there were plenty of opportunities to put things aslant.

Kmaddock · 22nd November 2017, 07:42 AM

Hi
Yes there are 2 narrow fullers
I have it soaking in diesel so I should have better images over the weekend
Regards
Ken

20th November 2017, 09:35 PM	#1
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	Yes it looks like a kirach to me as well.

20th November 2017, 10:08 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,196	It sure appears compellingly to be a kirach OK. Not to begin any name game stuff, but I am wondering, could this, or any kirach (straight blade tulwar as I understand) be with 'firangi' blade. This blade looks remarkably like some 18th century hanger blades usually from Germany, with that same single groove along the back of blade.

20th November 2017, 10:22 PM	#3
Kmaddock Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Ireland Posts: 543	Thanks for the thumbs up on it being probably a kirach As I said earlier all I was hoping for was a straight bladed Tulwar, looks as if I have something more exotic again As for condition this is exactly what I wanted, it will never be a beautiful item but it oozes history to me and for something that is around 200 years old I think it is in good condition. I will get all the active rid rust off it but I will leave it in it’s probable blackened state underneath as I am not into over cleaning my items. I will put some images up of the semi cleaned item, I have projects to write up @nd assignments to correct so a busy week Regards to all Ken

21st November 2017, 09:50 PM	#4
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	Jim, As far as I see it, there are two narrow fullers - and not one. Does that change you mind about a possible European origin? To me the blade looks Indian. Jens

21st November 2017, 11:33 PM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,196	Jens, You are right, I think I need new glasses. Agree, Indian blade.

22nd November 2017, 02:03 AM	#6
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	I have seen a couple of tulwars with misaligned hilt and blade combination. I think there is one for sale on e-bay right now. Originally, I thought it was done on purpose, to increase the cutting ability of the sword ( similar to Georgian Kabiani Khmali), but that was far too exotic an explanation, The marriage between the blade and the hilt was done in a hurry. First, the handle was filled with molten mastique and then a red-hot tang was forcefully inserted and everything was allowed to cool and solidify. A little error or just inattention and the alignment was off. This process was repeated several times during the life of a sword because the mastique dried out and crumbled, especially with repeat blows. Thus, there were plenty of opportunities to put things aslant.

22nd November 2017, 07:42 AM	#7
Kmaddock Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Ireland Posts: 543	Hi Yes there are 2 narrow fullers I have it soaking in diesel so I should have better images over the weekend Regards Ken