Is this Tulwar 17th Century?

Jim McDougall · 19th December 2008, 06:25 AM

I always find these munitions grade 'fighting' weapons most appealing, as they seem to carry an aura of history about them, and I always wonder what significant things they would tell me if they could. Perhaps in many ways they do.
What is most unusual with this example is the flueret style quillon terminals, which seem to correspond to those on fig. 298 in Pant ("Indian Arms & Armour", p.115) on a hilt form termed 'purbi' or 'purbiya' (= loosely translated as 'eastern' )suggesting origins for the hilt style to the east, which is typically vague in this reference. These flueret type terminals as well as the fixture in the center of the 'chowk' (center of crossguard) have been seen on tulwars discussed earlier from Northwest Frontier regions, possibly with Afghan connections as the associated scabbard was of Afghan style.

This example seems 19th century, the hilt does seem a bit older as Lew has noted, and the canted angle of the hilt seems unusual. The scabbard remains are of Indian form, with the fabric cover gone and the wood sides taped together, very unusual also to see these with scabbard.

I believe Ariel brought up in earlier discussions, the irregular cavalry of Northwest Frontier regions known as 'ghorrachurria' comprised of Sikhs and Afghans, which seemed a plausible source for these unusual tulwars. The pronounced ricasso on the blade edge seems to be of type associated with some Sikh tulwars, though my recollection and notes are not clear of how accurate that might be.

Most interesting example, and with intriguing provenance which seems quite lilely. I have mentioned before in discussions I once talked with a British Brigadier who was involved in action in the Northwest Frontier in the 1930's and was shown the swords he brought back with him (this was about 10 years ago, so a weapon from 50 years ago is quite likely in the same proximity).

All best regards,
Jim

Iliad · 19th December 2008, 07:10 AM

Gentlemen, thank you so much for your learned comments, really appreciated.
The hilt isn't really at an angle, it is very loose, being held by a single rivet, and it swivels around easily. When I laid the sword down to take the photo I didn't notice that I had left the hilt at an angle!
I wonder what the original owner would have thought if he had been told that 150 (?) years later his precious sword would be in the aged hands of a retired Accountant in a small country at the ends of the earth!!
Brian

19th December 2008, 07:10 AM	#2
Iliad Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 187	Is this Tulwar 17th century? Gentlemen, thank you so much for your learned comments, really appreciated. The hilt isn't really at an angle, it is very loose, being held by a single rivet, and it swivels around easily. When I laid the sword down to take the photo I didn't notice that I had left the hilt at an angle! I wonder what the original owner would have thought if he had been told that 150 (?) years later his precious sword would be in the aged hands of a retired Accountant in a small country at the ends of the earth!! Brian

19th December 2008, 06:25 AM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	I always find these munitions grade 'fighting' weapons most appealing, as they seem to carry an aura of history about them, and I always wonder what significant things they would tell me if they could. Perhaps in many ways they do. What is most unusual with this example is the flueret style quillon terminals, which seem to correspond to those on fig. 298 in Pant ("Indian Arms & Armour", p.115) on a hilt form termed 'purbi' or 'purbiya' (= loosely translated as 'eastern' )suggesting origins for the hilt style to the east, which is typically vague in this reference. These flueret type terminals as well as the fixture in the center of the 'chowk' (center of crossguard) have been seen on tulwars discussed earlier from Northwest Frontier regions, possibly with Afghan connections as the associated scabbard was of Afghan style. This example seems 19th century, the hilt does seem a bit older as Lew has noted, and the canted angle of the hilt seems unusual. The scabbard remains are of Indian form, with the fabric cover gone and the wood sides taped together, very unusual also to see these with scabbard. I believe Ariel brought up in earlier discussions, the irregular cavalry of Northwest Frontier regions known as 'ghorrachurria' comprised of Sikhs and Afghans, which seemed a plausible source for these unusual tulwars. The pronounced ricasso on the blade edge seems to be of type associated with some Sikh tulwars, though my recollection and notes are not clear of how accurate that might be. Most interesting example, and with intriguing provenance which seems quite lilely. I have mentioned before in discussions I once talked with a British Brigadier who was involved in action in the Northwest Frontier in the 1930's and was shown the swords he brought back with him (this was about 10 years ago, so a weapon from 50 years ago is quite likely in the same proximity). All best regards, Jim