Cavalry saber from Deccan late 18th c. EIC?

colin henshaw · 8th October 2020, 10:50 AM

I've occasionally seen this phenomena in the past, but usually the other way round, ie. native blade, European hilt. There was an article written on the subject sometime back but I don't have it to hand. Examples I can recall use a Khyber knife blade also African blades with European hilts.

Presumably the European hilt would be preferred as Indian or other native hilts were designed for a more slender hand. I also read that for example tulwar blades were considered superior to European blades, so perhaps that was a reason for the mix/match. Or maybe it was just to create an exotic show ? Don't know if it was permissible under military regulations ? Not a subject I have studied however.

8th October 2020, 10:50 AM	#2
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,429	I've occasionally seen this phenomena in the past, but usually the other way round, ie. native blade, European hilt. There was an article written on the subject sometime back but I don't have it to hand. Examples I can recall use a Khyber knife blade also African blades with European hilts. Presumably the European hilt would be preferred as Indian or other native hilts were designed for a more slender hand. I also read that for example tulwar blades were considered superior to European blades, so perhaps that was a reason for the mix/match. Or maybe it was just to create an exotic show ? Don't know if it was permissible under military regulations ? Not a subject I have studied however.