Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

ALEX · 15th April 2007, 02:47 PM

First and foremost - thanks for responding and for your valuable comments and compliments. As always, great to see so many knowledgeable and observant members here.

Jeff, I thought of Caucasus origin. However, the presence of a fairly nice "Turkish Ribbon" pattern initially persuaded me to think of it as Turkish made. Hence, the question: Was the "Turkish Pattern" produced outside Turkey, i.e. in Caucasus? Lastly, based on a valuable input from another member - the blade is of Tiflis origin, early/mid 19th Cent, and the stamp is NOT in Armenian as I thought, but in Arabic.

Al-Anizi, You're absolutely correct - the mounts on the straight sword are latter additions, perhaps mid 20th Century.
The dirt powder called "Trap Tahdeer" ("Trap" is Arabic for dirt). This works really well on contact, and it can stay active for very long time after mixing with water. The results are not as defined and of high black and white contrast as with acid etch, but it leaves the surface with smooth water-like light grayish effect, and the "veins" to appear under the surface.

Ariel, thanks for pointing out that the mounts are Georgian (shame on me for not knowing it). The blade is Persian though with typical Lion and "O Fulfiller of Needs" stamps. The area in and around the stamps is heavily pitted, not like the rest of the blade. What could be a reason for that?

15th April 2007, 02:47 PM	#8
ALEX Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 936	Thanks to All First and foremost - thanks for responding and for your valuable comments and compliments. As always, great to see so many knowledgeable and observant members here. Jeff, I thought of Caucasus origin. However, the presence of a fairly nice "Turkish Ribbon" pattern initially persuaded me to think of it as Turkish made. Hence, the question: Was the "Turkish Pattern" produced outside Turkey, i.e. in Caucasus? Lastly, based on a valuable input from another member - the blade is of Tiflis origin, early/mid 19th Cent, and the stamp is NOT in Armenian as I thought, but in Arabic. Al-Anizi, You're absolutely correct - the mounts on the straight sword are latter additions, perhaps mid 20th Century. The dirt powder called "Trap Tahdeer" ("Trap" is Arabic for dirt). This works really well on contact, and it can stay active for very long time after mixing with water. The results are not as defined and of high black and white contrast as with acid etch, but it leaves the surface with smooth water-like light grayish effect, and the "veins" to appear under the surface. Ariel, thanks for pointing out that the mounts are Georgian (shame on me for not knowing it). The blade is Persian though with typical Lion and "O Fulfiller of Needs" stamps. The area in and around the stamps is heavily pitted, not like the rest of the blade. What could be a reason for that?