Two Shamshir / Killij / Scimitar for comment

Cthulhu · 2nd August 2020, 09:03 PM

Mameluke-hilted swords were a bit of a fad in the early 1800s in Europe, possibly because of French campaigns in Egypt. ...and I probably shouldn't say fad, since there are western military units that to this day use that style as their dress sword. For instance look at photos of the US Marines officer's saber.

The guard on the more curved example looks western to me, though I can't put my finger on why.

Oliver, what makes you say the less curved one is Indian? The ricasso certainly points that way, is there anything else that makes the determination for you?

Bryce · 2nd August 2020, 09:52 PM

G'day Guys,
Here is a British pipe-back sword with a blade of similar construction. This one is maker marked to GS Reddell, also marked to the 7th Hussars and with the initials CJH for Charles John Hill who joined the 7th Hussars in 1816.

In this case though I think I agree with Oliver. Although the blade could be British made, I don't think this sword is British. The proportions of the hilt and grip construction don't look European to me. The second more curved mameluke could very well be British.

Cheers,
Bryce

mariusgmioc · 5th August 2020, 07:16 AM

Hello guys,

I am pretty sure the straighter one is of Indian origin, as it not only has the characteristic "indian ricasso" but also has the characteristic strong beveling of the cutting edge commonly seen on the Tulwars. Also the T-spine of the blade is very different from most European swords.

2nd August 2020, 09:52 PM	#2
Bryce Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: North Queensland, Australia Posts: 189	G'day Guys, Here is a British pipe-back sword with a blade of similar construction. This one is maker marked to GS Reddell, also marked to the 7th Hussars and with the initials CJH for Charles John Hill who joined the 7th Hussars in 1816. In this case though I think I agree with Oliver. Although the blade could be British made, I don't think this sword is British. The proportions of the hilt and grip construction don't look European to me. The second more curved mameluke could very well be British. Cheers, Bryce Attached Images

2nd August 2020, 09:03 PM	#1
Cthulhu Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Central Valley, California Posts: 46	Mameluke-hilted swords were a bit of a fad in the early 1800s in Europe, possibly because of French campaigns in Egypt. ...and I probably shouldn't say fad, since there are western military units that to this day use that style as their dress sword. For instance look at photos of the US Marines officer's saber. The guard on the more curved example looks western to me, though I can't put my finger on why. Oliver, what makes you say the less curved one is Indian? The ricasso certainly points that way, is there anything else that makes the determination for you?

5th August 2020, 07:16 AM	#3
mariusgmioc Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Austria Posts: 1,911	Hello guys, I am pretty sure the straighter one is of Indian origin, as it not only has the characteristic "indian ricasso" but also has the characteristic strong beveling of the cutting edge commonly seen on the Tulwars. Also the T-spine of the blade is very different from most European swords.