Tulwar inscription question 2

Rick · 14th January 2007, 03:55 PM

You're very welcome Jens .

Always ready to help out if I can .

Rick

Jim McDougall · 15th January 2007, 11:45 PM

A very good example of a NW India tulwar, and the deep stamp near the forte of the blade is probably arsenal related, with the characters found in the cartouche typically in Urdu. As Rick has noted, the deep arsenal stamps for the Mazir-i-Sharif are found on the Anglo-Afghan military swords from the 1890's, and seem to have been associated with campaigns in NW frontier regions through the 3rd Afghan War.

The 'eyelash' (often termed 'sickle') marks are native interpretation of the early trade blade markings that seem to have derived from Italian blades, particularly Genoa, and diffused widely into centers in Styria, the Caucusus (where the stamps bring the term 'gurda' to the blade, meaning quality) and of course India (then including Afghanistan regions). The Afghan sabre known as the paluoar seems to consistantly have these 'eyelash' marks on the blade, though they do not regularly appear on tulwars. Therefore the thought of the Mazir-i-Sharif stamp, though not the case, does seem a good suggestion. Possibly this blade may have derived from the far northern Afghan regions near the frontier, while the armoury at Mazir-i-Sharif is further away.

Outstanding observation Jens!!

You are right, now that you mention it these marks do not occur on dagger blades. While we know trade blades for swords were a common commodity, it does not seem that such trade existed for dagger blades..or did it?

All best regards,
Jim

P.S. Hey Rick, can you post the Afghan sword?

Rick · 16th January 2007, 01:07 AM

Sure Jim !

Jim McDougall · 16th January 2007, 02:59 AM

Ah Thanks Rick!!!

Yours really is nice, especially with the markings on the quillon (did we ever get them translated?) and intact scabbard.
Memories of the "Great Game"

!!

All the best,
Jim

16th January 2007, 01:07 AM	#3
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	Sure Jim ! Attached Images

14th January 2007, 03:55 PM	#1
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	You're very welcome Jens . Always ready to help out if I can . Rick

15th January 2007, 11:45 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	A very good example of a NW India tulwar, and the deep stamp near the forte of the blade is probably arsenal related, with the characters found in the cartouche typically in Urdu. As Rick has noted, the deep arsenal stamps for the Mazir-i-Sharif are found on the Anglo-Afghan military swords from the 1890's, and seem to have been associated with campaigns in NW frontier regions through the 3rd Afghan War. The 'eyelash' (often termed 'sickle') marks are native interpretation of the early trade blade markings that seem to have derived from Italian blades, particularly Genoa, and diffused widely into centers in Styria, the Caucusus (where the stamps bring the term 'gurda' to the blade, meaning quality) and of course India (then including Afghanistan regions). The Afghan sabre known as the paluoar seems to consistantly have these 'eyelash' marks on the blade, though they do not regularly appear on tulwars. Therefore the thought of the Mazir-i-Sharif stamp, though not the case, does seem a good suggestion. Possibly this blade may have derived from the far northern Afghan regions near the frontier, while the armoury at Mazir-i-Sharif is further away. Outstanding observation Jens!! You are right, now that you mention it these marks do not occur on dagger blades. While we know trade blades for swords were a common commodity, it does not seem that such trade existed for dagger blades..or did it? All best regards, Jim P.S. Hey Rick, can you post the Afghan sword?

16th January 2007, 02:59 AM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	Ah Thanks Rick!!! Yours really is nice, especially with the markings on the quillon (did we ever get them translated?) and intact scabbard. Memories of the "Great Game" !! All the best, Jim