Scabbard Mount ID please

[Atlantia]

Gilded Bronze:

[RSWORD]

I would classify this scabbard mount as Indo-Persian.

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by RSWORD

I would classify this scabbard mount as Indo-Persian.

Thanks mate,
On closer inspection it does appear to be mercurial gilding. I thought it might do for my Shamshir (which is why I bought it).
Any idea what the suspension loop represents? It looks like a Buddhist thunderbolt.

Thanks again
Gene

[Jim McDougall]

What an interesting post Gene!!
Its funny, I never realized how much is in a simple component like a scabbard mount like this, and how intriguing it is just to look at its motif.
While we seem to always be focused on the weapons comprehensively, and make cursory note of individual elements, there is seldom such key focus as this.
Perhaps that is why in the field of Japanese swords there are those who collect tsuba only. I have even heard of instances of collectors whose field is entirely on scabbards, which I must admit seems very unusual.

In studying Asian swords, and the development of sword forms westward, there was an entire study by Trousdale on the development of the scabbard slide, and examples discovered archaeologically.

I just wanted to note as an aside.

All best regards,
Jim

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

What an interesting post Gene!!
Its funny, I never realized how much is in a simple component like a scabbard mount like this, and how intriguing it is just to look at its motif.
While we seem to always be focused on the weapons comprehensively, and make cursory note of individual elements, there is seldom such key focus as this.
Perhaps that is why in the field of Japanese swords there are those who collect tsuba only. I have even heard of instances of collectors whose field is entirely on scabbards, which I must admit seems very unusual.

In studying Asian swords, and the development of sword forms westward, there was an entire study by Trousdale on the development of the scabbard slide, and examples discovered archaeologically.

I just wanted to note as an aside.

All best regards,
Jim

Hi Jim,

Thanks for your input, I think you've mirrored my own interest in this piece.
First I saw it and thought 'shamshir' mount. Then (once I'd bought it) I started to look at the decoration. In fact I wondered briefly if it was Chinese because of the shape of the suspension loop.
I suppose the shape could just as easily represent a dome?
I was a bit puzzled by the 'clover' design as well, but then (exactly as you pointed out) I realised that despite having seen many probobly similar mounts still in situ over the years, I've never really studied them closely because I've always been looking at the sword itself.

Regards
Gene

P.S. Any ideas/thoughts on this one in particular?

[Jim McDougall]

Hi Gene,
Rick is spot on (of course!! the scabbard mount is distinctly of the form seen on Mughal sheaths of the 17th century (Pant, plate XXV) with the same shape suspension fixture. The one shown in Pant has Arabic inscription in Nastaliq script.
Excellent observation on the shape of the suspension fixture, which does resemble the 'vajra' or thunderbolt, a key symbol in Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism. It is interesting that decorative motif in India on weapons in particular, often borrowed themes and motif from elements in degree from all of these Faiths.
The clovers are interesting motif and may have associations to the Trimurti, though this seems an unusual application. I guess looking into similar use in some of the material culture might offer some clues.

All the best,
Jim