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#1 |
Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: USA Georgia
Posts: 1,599
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This is my first one of these. I have heard them called "massive" and the word is descriptive. 33" long. Remains of koftgari.
I like two basic categories of swords. High end ceremonial and "users." This is a "user." It has a presence that does not really come across in the pictures. I feel certain that this one has been in combat. Your comments? I know nothing about these swords. |
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#2 |
Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Room 101, Glos. UK
Posts: 4,167
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i have a similar one without the decoration and a plain wood grip - the moment you pick it up you know it's the real thing, made for battle and not for decoration.
![]() it sings - the pathan who carried mine may have owed fealty to the one who carried yours ![]() mine didn't come with a scabbard tho, i''l have to find one or have one made. always nice to see pics of them as a complete weapons system. i see your scabbard comes with the original late 19th c. pathan electricians tape . you may want to replace that with something more modern, like leather...... ![]() |
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#3 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,718
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If you have not, then try to make a ’search’, and you will see there are quite a number of threads. The blades are mostly alike, some decorated and some not, but notice the very different hilt forms.
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#4 | |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 5,503
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Is there any tribal/geographical connection? |
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#5 |
Arms Historian
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
Posts: 9,896
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Excellent observation Jens! It does indeed seem that most variation is in the hilts, and as Ariel has suggested, quite possibly tribal or regional variation.
Kronckew, LOL! ![]() On the mounts, I notice the familiar circled dot motif that is typically seen on weapons from Afghanistan and surrounding regions. From what I understand, this is a simple, but quite ancient geometric motif that is often found in these regions. Can anyone elaborate more on this motif? I have seen the same on lohars as well as buzkhashi whips. All the best, Jim |
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#6 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,718
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Yes Ariel, but it should also be remembered that there are variation of the different types. I think the different types come from different clans, although I can't prove it.
Yes Jim, the circle decoration is interesting, and as you mention, also seen on other Afghan weapons. Jens |
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#7 |
Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: USA Georgia
Posts: 1,599
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On the question of wootz. I am not versed with staining, and want to do this right. I have heard that some stains will harm koftgari. Is there any factual basis?
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#8 | |
(deceased)
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: East Coast USA
Posts: 3,191
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Are you going to try to etch your sword in the first photo? I do not think it's wootz unless you see something that's not pictured? I would just leave it be if there is no real sign of the wootz pattern. Lew |
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