Unusual Kirach For Discussion

[Rick]

First Measurements :

Hilt from langet to spike 7"

Overall length 32"

Blade length in a straight line 26"

Length of sharpened back edge in a straight line 19 1/4"

Length of front edge in a sraight line 23 7/8"

Width of blade at base 1 7/8"

Thickness at same 1/4"

Thickness at midpoint of blade 1/8"

Width at mid point 1 1/2"

Thickness of armor piercing point 1/4"

Length of armor piercing point 3 1/2"

Flex of blade 1/2"

Blade construction laminate forged .

Now for the pictures :

[Rick]

Hilt shot and construction detail .

Weight without scabbard 2.03 pounds .

Have at it !

[Jens Nordlunde]

Rick, you have an unusual kirach, the width if the blade, the very long false edge, with a thick spine of only about 8 inch, it would normally be about 14 inches longer, the reinforced tip is also unusual, although you see it now and again, the marks on the blade are seen before, but where they have been put, gives me a feeling that the meaning is something else than decorative – only I don’t know what it is. The tulwar/basket hilt is seen, but not very often, and I think they stopped using these hilts somewhere around early 19th century. The flower on top of the disc, and the form of the hilt points towards the Sikhs although the feared Maratha warriors in Deccan mostly used these swords; they most probably spread to other areas too. All in all a real fighting sword and a rare kirach, congratulation.

[Andrew]

This sword is extraordinary, Rick. Thanks for sharing it with us.

My experience with these weapons does not even approach Jens', but this also strikes me as rare and unusual. The tip is particularly interesting, and not something I've seen on a blade this long. A fearsome weapon!

[Jim McDougall]

Andrew,
These markings of what appears to be a sunburst seem very much like similar markings it seems I recall seen on some Cham weapons, or of SEA provenance. While reviewing notes here to see if I can add anything that might associate with anything Indian or European, I am wondering if you, Mark or Ian have similar markings catalogued.

This really is a magnificent and unusual kirach Rick !! Even more so with its clear transitional character that really embodies the diffusion of these weapon forms in India. I agree with Jens that there seem to be quite possible Sikh associations here, and more research will hopefully support that. It has always been interesting that the sacred sword of the Sikhs was of course the khanda, with Hindu baskethilt, while the sword of choice used by them in combat was typically the tulwar. Here we have a hybrid of both. Fascinating!!!

All the best,
Jim

[Ferguson]

Rick,
That is a truly magnificent sword. As a newbie, I have no information, but I love it! Looks like it has a very nice damascus pattern. Thanks for sharing this wonderful piece.

Steve Ferguson