Indian Swords for comment
 

I picked these up from a house clearance yesterday and assume they are just tourist items . The scabbards are very good quality but the blades are poor and the animal head grips seem hollow and what I would call 'pot metal' .

Can no one help out with this ID ?

Not really my area but I think you are spot on with your observations. From memory there was a pretty brisk industry of tourist weapons from the sub continent in a wide range of styles. These seem like they would fit into that category. I've seen many similar items on eBay - although usually the scabbards are not leather and of this quality. Perhaps these are earlier than most?

Thanks Iain , yes it was the scabbards that attrracted me , I am more used to the crummy blue velvet with gold trimmings type that you see on touristy Indian swords.

Hi Richmond,

Your suspicions are correct. I'd call these decorative. They come in various slight varieties. Some seem to have very solid cast brass/bronze hilts, others somewhat thin metal hilts.
I've seen some with cast copper hilts which were originally 'silver' washed.
The quality seems to dip the later they get. I suspect that they've been being made for at least 40+ years and they do generally follow the form of rather fine antique Indo-Persian swords.
They often seem to be advertised for sale with slightly out of focus pictures :shrug:


Best
Gene

Thanks Gene I whoilly concur !