Indian Arab Influenced Jambiya and Lots of Questions

TVV · 16th September 2009, 08:42 PM

Thank you Gene,

Nice tray, where the decoration is similar, but of higher workmanship than the one on my jambiya, where it is a little rougher.

I will make a better picture of the area in question tonight. I think I see some residue there, which might be from corrosion, or it might be left over from polishing paste.

Best regards,
Teodor

TVV · 17th September 2009, 04:05 AM

Here is a close-up of the damaged area (assuming it is damaged and not a casting flow). There is a residue there, as can be clearly seen, and not just there actually, but over the entire hilt. Is it the dreaded "disease", or is it just residue from polishing paste?

spiral · 17th September 2009, 10:10 AM

Nice jambiya, When I was about 20 I worked in a foundry for 9 months & would say its just a casting flaw, either from a air bubble or piece of loose sand in the mould.

Spiral

Atlantia · 17th September 2009, 12:03 PM

Its a lovely hilt, I also don't think we are seeing rot here, just casting flaws. Possibly exposed when the finishing detail was cut into it after casting.
Casting flaws are very common, as Spiral says, bubbles, sand grains, even impurities in the alloy etc.
Often the maker will re-fill these then reinstate the detail, and sometimes the 'plugs' come loose over time.

TVV · 17th September 2009, 05:49 PM

Thank you guys, as my knowledge of alloys and casting is low to non-existant, I was really worried there. Your posts were exactly what I wanted to read - I feel much relieved now.
Teodor

Atlantia · 17th September 2009, 07:45 PM

If you want to , try a little WD-40 and a toothbrush on the handle (not the scabbard). It'll darken the recesses remove the dust etc.

Jens Nordlunde · 19th September 2009, 04:48 PM

Teodor,

It seems as if the hilt and the head at the lower mount are of the same metal, but the upper and lower mounts are made of copper – is it so?

Like several others have mentioned it is indeed Indian – and very much so. It’s a nice piece congratulations.

17th September 2009, 04:05 AM	#2
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,741	Here is a close-up of the damaged area (assuming it is damaged and not a casting flow). There is a residue there, as can be clearly seen, and not just there actually, but over the entire hilt. Is it the dreaded "disease", or is it just residue from polishing paste? Attached Images

16th September 2009, 08:42 PM	#1
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,741	Thank you Gene, Nice tray, where the decoration is similar, but of higher workmanship than the one on my jambiya, where it is a little rougher. I will make a better picture of the area in question tonight. I think I see some residue there, which might be from corrosion, or it might be left over from polishing paste. Best regards, Teodor

17th September 2009, 10:10 AM	#3
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	Nice jambiya, When I was about 20 I worked in a foundry for 9 months & would say its just a casting flaw, either from a air bubble or piece of loose sand in the mould. Spiral

17th September 2009, 12:03 PM	#4
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Its a lovely hilt, I also don't think we are seeing rot here, just casting flaws. Possibly exposed when the finishing detail was cut into it after casting. Casting flaws are very common, as Spiral says, bubbles, sand grains, even impurities in the alloy etc. Often the maker will re-fill these then reinstate the detail, and sometimes the 'plugs' come loose over time.

17th September 2009, 05:49 PM	#5
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,741	Thank you guys, as my knowledge of alloys and casting is low to non-existant, I was really worried there. Your posts were exactly what I wanted to read - I feel much relieved now. Teodor

17th September 2009, 07:45 PM	#6
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	If you want to , try a little WD-40 and a toothbrush on the handle (not the scabbard). It'll darken the recesses remove the dust etc.

19th September 2009, 04:48 PM	#7
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	Teodor, It seems as if the hilt and the head at the lower mount are of the same metal, but the upper and lower mounts are made of copper – is it so? Like several others have mentioned it is indeed Indian – and very much so. It’s a nice piece congratulations.