A Most Curious Indian Tulwar with a Latin Cartouche/Crest

CharlesS · 24th March 2014, 07:39 PM

This Indian tulwar is Indian through and through...the hilt style in a bird motif, the crystalline wootz blade, etc.....with two notable exceptions: 1. The wootz blade shows a very European style crest with the Latin words: "Templa-Quam-Delecta" ....which I have translated as more or less, "The Temple's Selected"...again, more or less...perhaps someone can provide us with a more precise translation.I am most curious to know if anyone is familiar with this crest, and to whom it belongs.

2. Also note that the floral motifs decorating the fittings are not typically Indian floral patterns, but appear to be 3-leaf clovers. These motifs cover both the gilded hilt and the gilded scabbard mounts. I have not seen this in Indian motifs before.

Regarding the wootz blade the wootz is of rather average quality with some forging flaws and probably from an average and impure ingot, certainly not the best of Indian wootz, but not horrible either.

The scabbard is original, but the dry rotted velvet covering has been replaced with the identical cotton velvet color originally on the scabbard.

Dimensions: Overall: 37.5in. Blade length: 31in.

Would love any input on this one....thanks in advance!!!

24th March 2014, 07:39 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	A Most Curious Indian Tulwar with a Latin Cartouche/Crest This Indian tulwar is Indian through and through...the hilt style in a bird motif, the crystalline wootz blade, etc.....with two notable exceptions: 1. The wootz blade shows a very European style crest with the Latin words: "Templa-Quam-Delecta" ....which I have translated as more or less, "The Temple's Selected"...again, more or less...perhaps someone can provide us with a more precise translation.I am most curious to know if anyone is familiar with this crest, and to whom it belongs. 2. Also note that the floral motifs decorating the fittings are not typically Indian floral patterns, but appear to be 3-leaf clovers. These motifs cover both the gilded hilt and the gilded scabbard mounts. I have not seen this in Indian motifs before. Regarding the wootz blade the wootz is of rather average quality with some forging flaws and probably from an average and impure ingot, certainly not the best of Indian wootz, but not horrible either. The scabbard is original, but the dry rotted velvet covering has been replaced with the identical cotton velvet color originally on the scabbard. Dimensions: Overall: 37.5in. Blade length: 31in. Would love any input on this one....thanks in advance!!! Attached Images