Help with possible Indian tulwar sword

Ian · 2nd June 2006, 12:23 AM

Hi Ian:

Welcome to the Forum. We can't have too many Ians!

I think you have an older example of the Moghul tulwar hilt with some transitional features between the Hindu basket hilt an the later tulwar form with the straight guard. I'm unsure whether one can say this is more likely to be southern or northern Indian in origin, although the sharply pointed central area of the handle is a feature that has been attributed to the Punjab.

This sword appears to have some considerable age but a picture of the complete sword would be helpful.

Ian.

Ian Crouch · 2nd June 2006, 08:12 AM

Greetings all - and thank you for the interesting comments and answers. I have attached some clearer photos that should possibly help to better establish an age and origin of the sword. Can anyone tell me if there was ever anything in the gap between the 'flanges' where the blade enters the hilt? Am I also correct in assuming that one shouldn't try and clean the sword further or try and straighten the bent end of the hand guard! All I have done to date is lightly remove the loose surface rust with some oil and 0000 grade steel wool. I look forward to any further comments and thoughts.

Regards

Ian

ariel · 2nd June 2006, 11:13 AM

You are not going to find wootz, so there is not much sense to polish the blade to a shiny perfection. As an example, per Elgood, Western collectors prefer patina, Arab collectors prefer shine. Matter of taste: do you want to emphasize sword's age and history or it's persistent functionality?

Ian · 5th June 2006, 02:33 PM

Hi Ian.

Nice job of cleaning this sword. Personally, I'd leave it the way it is and not polish the blade.

As far as age, I think it's probably 18th C -- maybe a little earlier. And I think Northern Indian in origin.

Ian.

2nd June 2006, 12:23 AM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,363	Welcome ... Hi Ian: Welcome to the Forum. We can't have too many Ians! I think you have an older example of the Moghul tulwar hilt with some transitional features between the Hindu basket hilt an the later tulwar form with the straight guard. I'm unsure whether one can say this is more likely to be southern or northern Indian in origin, although the sharply pointed central area of the handle is a feature that has been attributed to the Punjab. This sword appears to have some considerable age but a picture of the complete sword would be helpful. Ian.

2nd June 2006, 08:12 AM	#2
Ian Crouch Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 4	Greetings all - and thank you for the interesting comments and answers. I have attached some clearer photos that should possibly help to better establish an age and origin of the sword. Can anyone tell me if there was ever anything in the gap between the 'flanges' where the blade enters the hilt? Am I also correct in assuming that one shouldn't try and clean the sword further or try and straighten the bent end of the hand guard! All I have done to date is lightly remove the loose surface rust with some oil and 0000 grade steel wool. I look forward to any further comments and thoughts. Regards Ian Attached Images

2nd June 2006, 11:13 AM	#3
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	You are not going to find wootz, so there is not much sense to polish the blade to a shiny perfection. As an example, per Elgood, Western collectors prefer patina, Arab collectors prefer shine. Matter of taste: do you want to emphasize sword's age and history or it's persistent functionality?

5th June 2006, 02:33 PM	#4
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,363	Hi Ian. Nice job of cleaning this sword. Personally, I'd leave it the way it is and not polish the blade. As far as age, I think it's probably 18th C -- maybe a little earlier. And I think Northern Indian in origin. Ian.