an other sword from my collection..

[Queequeg]

That's one of the most unique ricassos I've ever seen on a sword. I really like it.

I wonder if it's just for aesthetics or if it has a functional purpose? I'm leaning toward aesthetics, as it already has a hilt.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Queequeg

That's one of the most unique ricassos I've ever seen on a sword. I really like it.

I wonder if it's just for aesthetics or if it has a functional purpose? I'm leaning toward aesthetics, as it already has a hilt.

Hi Qeequeg,
Welcome to the mysterious world of ethnographic weapons!! and very well observed. You are exactly right, these often dramatic features on many weapons serve as symbolic devices often representing traditional or religious ideology, particularly many of the unusually shaped weapons in India. As I noted in my typically brief last post (if one didn't get lost trying to wade through it!) I noted that these were ceremonially intended, probably for court fashion or symbolic bearing type use.

Stefan, I'm glad you found this information useful, as I learned a lot from it as well while compiling it. I'm sure there are likely misconceptions, and as always I look forward to the comments of others more familiar with these aspects of the weapons on India, and the metallurgy of these swords.
Thank you for sharing the wonderful story on the beginnings of your interest in swords, and it is quite clear you've come a very long way my friend!

I'm not sure on the steel used, and as I mentioned, my comprehension of metallurgy is admittedly very limited, but I think you may have a point on the restrictions on forging wootz and emphasis on import of British steel.

All very best regards,
Jim

[Jens Nordlunde]

It is true that the production of wootz was prohibited by the English in the Deccan – due to deforresting – they said. As it has been commented, the true reason was, most likely, that the English wanted to sell their blades without too much competition.

In the early days the Muslim merchants, exporting the crusibles to the Middle East had people checking the crusibles before they were shipped, to make sure it was crusibles. In India however, blades were made if mono steel, pattern welded and of wootz steel. It all depender of, how much money the buyer could afford to spend on the blade – as he would also need a hilt as well - decorated if possible.

[Tatyana Dianova]

Thank you very much Jim and Jens for the most interesting information