Deccani Firangi?

ariel · 14th May 2016, 08:38 PM

I seem to be stuck on the Deccan: recently I posted a question about Deccani handles, and now that...

Firangi with shortened European rapier blade. Shortening was done from the base of the handle, the tip is intact. Blade length is 27.5".
Very pretty handle with ribbed D-guard and crooked baluster ( 17th century, as per Elgood???)

The handle was modified by a pair of rivets wit brass rings, but the blade is still somewhat wobbly: the mastique is very old and crumbly.

Any comments, suggestions, thoughts?

ariel · 14th May 2016, 08:39 PM

#2

kronckew · 15th May 2016, 08:01 AM

sounds like the rivets are of lesser diameter than the holes in the tang.

is there enough old mastic left to remelt it by warming the grip? put it in a plastic bag & immerse in boiling water for a while if you want to try. works on nepali khukuris...not sure of the formulation of the indian equivalent to nepali laha cutler's cement tho, which is made from tree resin, bees wax, dung, charcoal dust, brick dust, etc. - and stinks to high heaven when you remelt it, say don't try it while the wife is at home or use one of her good pots. and ventilate the area. you can find other less smelly versions for 'topping up' by googling for 'cutlers cement'.

you may also need to alternatively remove the rivets and use larger diameter replacements. or both...

nice sword, by the way.

ariel · 15th May 2016, 12:05 PM

Thanks for the instructions.
I shall try the first one. Do not want to replace old stuff.

14th May 2016, 08:38 PM	#1
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Deccani Firangi? I seem to be stuck on the Deccan: recently I posted a question about Deccani handles, and now that... Firangi with shortened European rapier blade. Shortening was done from the base of the handle, the tip is intact. Blade length is 27.5". Very pretty handle with ribbed D-guard and crooked baluster ( 17th century, as per Elgood???) The handle was modified by a pair of rivets wit brass rings, but the blade is still somewhat wobbly: the mastique is very old and crumbly. Any comments, suggestions, thoughts? Attached Images

14th May 2016, 08:39 PM	#2
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	#2 Attached Images

15th May 2016, 08:01 AM	#3
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,150	sounds like the rivets are of lesser diameter than the holes in the tang. is there enough old mastic left to remelt it by warming the grip? put it in a plastic bag & immerse in boiling water for a while if you want to try. works on nepali khukuris...not sure of the formulation of the indian equivalent to nepali laha cutler's cement tho, which is made from tree resin, bees wax, dung, charcoal dust, brick dust, etc. - and stinks to high heaven when you remelt it, say don't try it while the wife is at home or use one of her good pots. and ventilate the area. you can find other less smelly versions for 'topping up' by googling for 'cutlers cement'. you may also need to alternatively remove the rivets and use larger diameter replacements. or both... nice sword, by the way.

15th May 2016, 12:05 PM	#4
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Thanks for the instructions. I shall try the first one. Do not want to replace old stuff.