Philip,
Thank you very much for the note on my observations, and for addressing the comments on the etching. Quite frankly I was uncertain of which of these decorative forms were most applicable as I am not entirely familar with the Persian form you describe, although I have handled the thuluth covered weapons. With your very thorough description the differences are quite clear, and I agree the thuluth is as you well describe, much more monumental. I think that the crescent moons as often found stamped in takoubas and as noted, some kaskaras, led me to consider the often found thuluth as a possibility.
I am always incredibly impressed with your phenomenal descriptions of the dynamics of metallurgy and all aspects of edged weapons mounting and construction as well as your keen skills at furbishing. These descriptions truly give new dimension to understanding these weapons.
With the revision of the form of calligraphic motif to Persian, I am still wondering whether Egyptian or Mamluk attribution of this sabre, or kilic, may remain plausible. I would be interested in your opinion.
All best regards,
Jim
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