Indian Arab Influenced Jambiya and Lots of Questions

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.

TVV · 19th September 2009, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jens Nordlunde

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.

Jens,
The color of the hilt and the head at the chape is different from the color of the rest of the scabbard fittings. If I had to make a guess, I would say that the scabbard mounts are copper, while the hilt and the head are cast of brass.
What would be your guess on which part of India these originate from - Kutch?

Thank you,
Teodor

Jens Nordlunde · 19th September 2009, 07:17 PM

Teodor,
Yes, Kutch would, to my opinion, be a very qualified guess

. But the mix of the two different metals, like on your dagger is still a bit strange.
Jens

Atlantia · 19th September 2009, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jens Nordlunde

Teodor,
Yes, Kutch would, to my opinion, be a very qualified guess

. But the mix of the two different metals, like on your dagger is still a bit strange.
Jens

Couple of thoughts there....

For casting the more 'brassy' bronze of the hilt and lion head would be tougher and hold sharper detail, while the alloy used in the mounts with a higher copper content would be easier to work/hammer.

Or, were the mounts all originally gilded?

19th September 2009, 07:17 PM	#6
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	Teodor, Yes, Kutch would, to my opinion, be a very qualified guess. But the mix of the two different metals, like on your dagger is still a bit strange. Jens

17th September 2009, 12:03 PM	#1
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	#2
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,725	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	#3
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	#4
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.