Mystery sword...part 2

katana · 28th September 2007, 03:09 PM

I have recently posted this sword with an Ethiopian sword, but, since I have received it, it has posed more questions, which, I feel should be dealt with seperately....hence a new post.

The sword appears to be fairly 'new' when viewing the photos, but in reality seems to have some age. The sword has been lacquered (blade and hilt) after it was cleaned. (which I will remove) This was commonly done 19th C / very early 20th, whether this is the case for this sword...I do not know.

The crossguard with its Indo Persian style shows there once was a knucklebow. The blade is well tempered, twin fullered (thin one just below spine and a wider one below that. Evidence that the sword was shortened at some time (fullers extend to the tip) I assume due to damage.
A threaded pommel nut is there but the tang has been 'peened over', handle is brass wire over wood.

The sword is light and 'lively', well balanced and seems likely a 'user'.
In fact, to pre-empt the cries of ceremonial, I did a spot of gardening ...or more acurately 'tree pruning'. The result of a single handed diagonal down strike is shown in one of the photos below

( not quite Tameshigiri ......branch diameter 1"/ 2.5 cms) Fortunately my neighbours are used to my 'gardening' with 'unusual' implements.

So what is this sword ? To me it seems to be a 'hybrid' , a European manufactured sword with Indo Persian styling or an Indian produced sword in a Euro style

I have found no info at all, so please .....any ideas or comments.

28th September 2007, 03:09 PM	#1
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Mystery sword...part 2 I have recently posted this sword with an Ethiopian sword, but, since I have received it, it has posed more questions, which, I feel should be dealt with seperately....hence a new post. The sword appears to be fairly 'new' when viewing the photos, but in reality seems to have some age. The sword has been lacquered (blade and hilt) after it was cleaned. (which I will remove) This was commonly done 19th C / very early 20th, whether this is the case for this sword...I do not know. The crossguard with its Indo Persian style shows there once was a knucklebow. The blade is well tempered, twin fullered (thin one just below spine and a wider one below that. Evidence that the sword was shortened at some time (fullers extend to the tip) I assume due to damage. A threaded pommel nut is there but the tang has been 'peened over', handle is brass wire over wood. The sword is light and 'lively', well balanced and seems likely a 'user'. In fact, to pre-empt the cries of ceremonial, I did a spot of gardening ...or more acurately 'tree pruning'. The result of a single handed diagonal down strike is shown in one of the photos below ( not quite Tameshigiri ......branch diameter 1"/ 2.5 cms) Fortunately my neighbours are used to my 'gardening' with 'unusual' implements. So what is this sword ? To me it seems to be a 'hybrid' , a European manufactured sword with Indo Persian styling or an Indian produced sword in a Euro style I have found no info at all, so please .....any ideas or comments. Attached Images Last edited by katana; 29th September 2007 at 12:44 AM.