mid 19c Tulwar?, please I would like some advice?

katana · 1st August 2006, 03:47 PM

Had this Tulwar for a few months, only recently cleaned it. Could anyone identify the hilt design.
The edge has suffered old damage, one of the nicks has removed a 'lump' of the blade from one side (see pics) suggesting the blade is either laminated, pattern welded or has a hardened edge 'welded' to a softer spine?....I am reluctant to etch the blade and loose the patina. Could anyone tell by the photos?
Any other information or comments, as always, gratefully received

katana · 7th August 2006, 05:53 PM

Has no one any ideas as to its origin, time frame or blade construction? please

Lew · 7th August 2006, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katana

Has no one any ideas as to its origin, time frame or blade construction? please

Katana

It's an older one in my opinion. The hilt is down turned which you do not often see. Your sword has seen a few battles the nicks are proof of that. I would say your tulwar is Moghul 1790-1820s but it could be a bit later.

Congrats

Lew

katana · 7th August 2006, 06:47 PM

Thanks for the reply Lew..

...thats great news...the other feature of the blade that I forgot to mention is the last third of the blade is edged both sides....would that make a difference to the possible time period?

S.Al-Anizi · 7th August 2006, 07:02 PM

I have nothing to say about this, but I must say that im anxious to see what this turns out to be, surely an interesting piece.

Lew · 7th August 2006, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katana

Thanks for the reply Lew..

...thats great news...the other feature of the blade that I forgot to mention is the last third of the blade is edged both sides....would that make a difference to the possible time period?

Some more pics of the whole blade would help.

Lew

katana · 7th August 2006, 08:36 PM

Thanks for your help Lew....will post further pics tomorrow

katana · 8th August 2006, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOUIEBLADES

Some more pics of the whole blade would help.

Lew

A picture of the entire sword and a view of the spine (back) just as it abruptly thins to an edge.

katana · 7th August 2006, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOUIEBLADES

The hilt is down turned which you do not often see.

The design of the hilt actually seems to allow more movement from the wrist....not as restrictive as the 'straight' type. Also, with an edge on the 'back' of the blade (the last third approx.) it seems to suggest that this sword was used with a technique or style which relied on quick,accurate strikes with control from the wrist ??????

spiral · 7th August 2006, 11:41 PM

The blue looks like modern enamel paint, not true cooked enamel to me.

But i am just judging on a photo.

Nice shaped handle though!

Spiral

ariel · 7th August 2006, 11:55 PM

I think the blue paint (enamel???) tries to imitate turquoise stones: they were very popular in Central Asia (Bukhara, Khiva etc) and somewhat less in Afghanistan (but a good chunk of them are Uzbeks anyway). I am NOT saying it is Uzbeki; perhaps, the owner wanted something reminding him of his native decoration.
Ah, the convenience of being here! We do not have to succumb to the politically correct "he/she" stuff: all weapon owners were "he"

katana · 9th August 2006, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOUIEBLADES

Katana

Your sword has seen a few battles the nicks are proof of that. I would say your tulwar is Moghul 1790-1820s but it could be a bit later.

Congrats

Lew

Lew, thankyou for your help and comments.I have done a little research on Moghul blade making, and found that they had great expertise in blade smithing and that many of their blades were superior to many manufactured at that time. Do you have any ideas as to how I can determine how good this blade is, or the forging techniques used to help discover if this sword is indeed Moghul.
Strangely enougth a documentary on the History Channel (yesterday) was about the Moghuls (an excellent and interesting documentary). During the programme they described and demonstrated the cutting ability of a period sword. It was said that the Moghul blades tended to be thin and very sharp (certainly how I would describe mine) so at least I know that it 'definately not' Moghul.

Jens I am certain you are right, it must be paint......why blue paint..I suppose I'll never know. I think I should remove the 'paint' I very doubt it is original and does nothing to the asthetics or look of the sword. Perhaps Ariel's suggestion is a possibility....who knows.... I'm sure we all have one or two pieces which have had some modification or adornment done during its life which makes no sense or we wish hadn't been done

1st August 2006, 03:47 PM	#1
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	mid 19c Tulwar?, please I would like some advice? Had this Tulwar for a few months, only recently cleaned it. Could anyone identify the hilt design. The edge has suffered old damage, one of the nicks has removed a 'lump' of the blade from one side (see pics) suggesting the blade is either laminated, pattern welded or has a hardened edge 'welded' to a softer spine?....I am reluctant to etch the blade and loose the patina. Could anyone tell by the photos? Any other information or comments, as always, gratefully received Attached Images

7th August 2006, 05:53 PM	#2
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	Has no one any ideas as to its origin, time frame or blade construction? please

7th August 2006, 06:47 PM	#4
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	Thanks for the reply Lew.. ...thats great news...the other feature of the blade that I forgot to mention is the last third of the blade is edged both sides....would that make a difference to the possible time period?

7th August 2006, 07:02 PM	#5
S.Al-Anizi Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Arabia Posts: 278	I have nothing to say about this, but I must say that im anxious to see what this turns out to be, surely an interesting piece.

7th August 2006, 08:36 PM	#7
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	Thanks for your help Lew....will post further pics tomorrow

7th August 2006, 11:41 PM	#10
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	The blue looks like modern enamel paint, not true cooked enamel to me. But i am just judging on a photo. Nice shaped handle though! Spiral

7th August 2006, 11:55 PM	#11
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	I think the blue paint (enamel???) tries to imitate turquoise stones: they were very popular in Central Asia (Bukhara, Khiva etc) and somewhat less in Afghanistan (but a good chunk of them are Uzbeks anyway). I am NOT saying it is Uzbeki; perhaps, the owner wanted something reminding him of his native decoration. Ah, the convenience of being here! We do not have to succumb to the politically correct "he/she" stuff: all weapon owners were "he"