(really) old tulwar with yelman for ID

Norman McCormick · 25th August 2025, 05:12 PM

Hi,
Here are photographs of three of my Tulwars which I think are relevant. Unfortunately they are in storage at the moment but the hilts and blades are in the same order in both photographs. Jens was kind enough to give me his opinion some time ago but only from these and other images. From the left Northern India 19thC the scabbard, not shown, being typical of Afghan typology, middle India late 18th early 19thC no scabbard, far right late 17th early 18thC scabbard, not shown, plain leather over wood probably replaced several times. As you can see the earlier the blade the more pronounced the yelman. I would doubt this is an indicator of age, although it appears to be the case regarding these three, maybe more of a hint.
Regards,
Norman.

P.S. You will notice the one on the left has an intact pin through the hilt whereas yours unfortunately has this piece missing.

Jim McDougall · 25th August 2025, 06:25 PM

Outstanding examples!!! and perfectly described!
The northern example on the left, as noted has the central pin in the crossguard as is typical of the tulwars of these regions (now Afghanistan). The flared quillon terminals are of course atypical of typical tulwars, and there is a marked resemblance toward the familiar paluoar.

What I have learned over the years is the heavier the blade, the earlier, and the yelman's primary objective was to add weight and heft to cutting power. Thus even with lighter blade overall, extra weight and surface added strength to the cut. While the yelman is of course derived from the Turkic influences that were key in Central Asian into Mughal spheres, it surely expanded in degree to other groups and areas. The middle and right examples are most certainly Rajasthani, and quite likely Rajput. The central one has the squared langet which Pant (1980) aligns with Udaipur.

Thank you for entering these Norman! Its exciting to see such examples shown together in comparison. Really miss having Jens around.

25th August 2025, 05:12 PM	#1
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,645	Hi, Here are photographs of three of my Tulwars which I think are relevant. Unfortunately they are in storage at the moment but the hilts and blades are in the same order in both photographs. Jens was kind enough to give me his opinion some time ago but only from these and other images. From the left Northern India 19thC the scabbard, not shown, being typical of Afghan typology, middle India late 18th early 19thC no scabbard, far right late 17th early 18thC scabbard, not shown, plain leather over wood probably replaced several times. As you can see the earlier the blade the more pronounced the yelman. I would doubt this is an indicator of age, although it appears to be the case regarding these three, maybe more of a hint. Regards, Norman. P.S. You will notice the one on the left has an intact pin through the hilt whereas yours unfortunately has this piece missing. Attached Images

25th August 2025, 06:25 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,627	Outstanding examples!!! and perfectly described! The northern example on the left, as noted has the central pin in the crossguard as is typical of the tulwars of these regions (now Afghanistan). The flared quillon terminals are of course atypical of typical tulwars, and there is a marked resemblance toward the familiar paluoar. What I have learned over the years is the heavier the blade, the earlier, and the yelman's primary objective was to add weight and heft to cutting power. Thus even with lighter blade overall, extra weight and surface added strength to the cut. While the yelman is of course derived from the Turkic influences that were key in Central Asian into Mughal spheres, it surely expanded in degree to other groups and areas. The middle and right examples are most certainly Rajasthani, and quite likely Rajput. The central one has the squared langet which Pant (1980) aligns with Udaipur. Thank you for entering these Norman! Its exciting to see such examples shown together in comparison. Really miss having Jens around.