Tegha or similar ?

[TVV]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Hi Norman,
I dont have illustrations handy, but they have been discussed here quite a few times over the years (especially on the early makers trademarks thread now over on European Armoury). These markings have been the subject of considerable debate since the late 19th century, and commonly appear also on Caucasian blades termed 'gurda', as mentioned nearly all Afghan paluoars that I have seen, occasionally on Scottish Andrea Ferara blades, many European blades seen in "Cut and Thrust Weapons" E. Wagner, 1967, and some others.

All the best,
Jim

Here is a "gurda" marking on a sword from Afghanistan.
Very nice sword/cutlass Norman! The possibility of it being a Maratha naval cutlass is especially intriguing.
Regards,
Teodor

[Jim McDougall]

Thank you Teodor for showing this example of the mark, which appears in proximity with what appears one of the Afghan arsenal marks. This one appears to emphasize the dentated or toothed characteristic of the original Genoan type markings. These usually were adjacent, opposed half circles, toothed and with three dots at each terminus of the half circle line.

With Genoan trade, these blade markings, which may have been guild markings rather than individual makers marks, but in any case signifying quality, found application on blades in other centers such as Styria, and finally Solingen. It is unclear why the mark seems to have appeared more consistantly on Afghan paluoar blades than other familiar European marks, but this was the case, and the influence seems to have reached other Indian trade, as possibly in this case with the Marathas.

All best regards,
Jim

[bhushan_lawate]

Hi all,

I do not have the snaps of this sword available with me however i'll be visiting the Angre Descendants in the beginning of 2009. I'll post a few snaps post my visit to the Angre house along with a few other swords from my collection.


regards,
Bhushan

[Norman McCormick]

Hi All,
I've noticed that the guard has remnants of black paint, or a similar substance, adhering to the inside. I know that the cutlasses issued to the British Navy in the 18/19th Cent. had their hilts painted if they were made of steel rather than brass, an attempt at keeping salt water corrosion at bay. I just wondered if there maybe similarities here. Of course some infantry/cavalry helmets and breastplates were painted black for a similar reason so ?????
I too would really be interested in seeing photographs of the sword that belonged to Admiral Angre.
My thanks to those who have taken an interest.
Regards,
Norman.

[TVV]

Originally Posted by Norman McCormick

Hi All,
I've noticed that the guard has remnants of black paint, or a similar substance, adhering to the inside. I know that the cutlasses issued to the British Navy in the 18/19th Cent. had their hilts painted if they were made of steel rather than brass, an attempt at keeping salt water corrosion at bay. I just wondered if there maybe similarities here. Of course some infantry/cavalry helmets and breastplates were painted black for a similar reason so ?????

I thought hilts of this type had a padded cushion wrapped around the grip.

[Jim McDougall]

Excellent observation Norman ,on the traces of black paint on the hilt, which does seem to suggest some sort of 'japanning' or black varnish as often used on iron hilts with naval connotation. It is interesting though that in the case of Scottish basket hilts of the 18th century particularly, these too were often japanned or russetted to prevent rust or corrosion in the typically damp climate in much of the Highlands.

Teodor, you're right on the usual presence of a pad inside the Hindu basket hilt, typically on the fully dressed examples. Incidentally, 18th century British basket hilts, including Scottish usually seem to have a padded hilt liner as well. As may be expected, these perishable elements usually do not survive, but in rare exceptions.

All best regards,
Jim