Interesting Serrated Pulwar

archer · 13th February 2014, 04:45 PM

YES, I found my Pulwar. The bin price and the triangular dots eye lash marks were too compelling. It cleaned up readily with soap and water, later soapy and worn out 2000 grit paper and some Maas polish helped remove larger stains. Oddly, the blade has old very fine serrations?? There isn’t an indication the blade has ever been re sharpened. No tempering or well defined scarfing areas just a couple of questionable areas. A lot of bits slag or hard rust persists in the blade surface. The blade is Chameleon like going from grey patterned to flashy with a change of light direction. Maybe, stamped as another East India Company item?? It feels right and handles well a total weight 1 pound 14 ounces.

Jim McDougall · 13th February 2014, 06:29 PM

Very nice example Archer . These sabres are apparently in actuality versions of the tulwar which are notably attributed to Afghan preference, and with strong Persian influence . They are often considered to have certain similarities to Deccani swords, and have been discussed here often through the years.
The stamped 'sickle' marks or eyelash marks are commonly found on these blades on paluaor in this configuration and location, and are not in any way related to the EIC. Actually it would be interesting to discover more on where these were produced as the form and markings seem relatively consistant.

archer · 13th February 2014, 08:21 PM

Hi Jim, I was referring to the fifth photo and should have been clearer and marked the ricasso area that has a hard to see stamp that maybe E.I.C. Now added as the last photo. I wonder about the tiny serrations could these be used to slice the silk scarf of legend or just to rip flesh. I've learned that the three dot pattern or the eye lashes are reason enough to take a better look. Steve

Jim McDougall · 13th February 2014, 09:36 PM

Thanks Archer, I saw that but didn't realize that was what you were referring to. Im not sure what that stamp is but it is in an area of the blade where many North Indian blades are stamped with cartouches. As far as I have known it remains unclear whether arsenal or that type stamp.
The EIC as I understand did not mark blades, and I have never seen the balemark on blades It does however appear on firearms locks and bayonets though.

Matt Easton · 20th February 2014, 04:47 PM

Archer, I have a similar (though different shape) mark on an Indian blade of mine and am also curious to know if these are makers' stamps (which is what I believe them to be).

ariel · 22nd February 2014, 01:41 AM

Somehow I do not have a feeling it was purposefully serrated: looks like a ton of tiny nicks to me.

13th February 2014, 04:45 PM	#1
archer Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 373	Interesting Serrated Pulwar YES, I found my Pulwar. The bin price and the triangular dots eye lash marks were too compelling. It cleaned up readily with soap and water, later soapy and worn out 2000 grit paper and some Maas polish helped remove larger stains. Oddly, the blade has old very fine serrations?? There isn’t an indication the blade has ever been re sharpened. No tempering or well defined scarfing areas just a couple of questionable areas. A lot of bits slag or hard rust persists in the blade surface. The blade is Chameleon like going from grey patterned to flashy with a change of light direction. Maybe, stamped as another East India Company item?? It feels right and handles well a total weight 1 pound 14 ounces. Attached Images Last edited by archer; 13th February 2014 at 08:07 PM. Reason: Add a photo

13th February 2014, 08:21 PM	#3
archer Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 373	added photo reply Hi Jim, I was referring to the fifth photo and should have been clearer and marked the ricasso area that has a hard to see stamp that maybe E.I.C. Now added as the last photo. I wonder about the tiny serrations could these be used to slice the silk scarf of legend or just to rip flesh. I've learned that the three dot pattern or the eye lashes are reason enough to take a better look. Steve

13th February 2014, 06:29 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,100	Very nice example Archer . These sabres are apparently in actuality versions of the tulwar which are notably attributed to Afghan preference, and with strong Persian influence . They are often considered to have certain similarities to Deccani swords, and have been discussed here often through the years. The stamped 'sickle' marks or eyelash marks are commonly found on these blades on paluaor in this configuration and location, and are not in any way related to the EIC. Actually it would be interesting to discover more on where these were produced as the form and markings seem relatively consistant.

13th February 2014, 09:36 PM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,100	Thanks Archer, I saw that but didn't realize that was what you were referring to. Im not sure what that stamp is but it is in an area of the blade where many North Indian blades are stamped with cartouches. As far as I have known it remains unclear whether arsenal or that type stamp. The EIC as I understand did not mark blades, and I have never seen the balemark on blades It does however appear on firearms locks and bayonets though.

20th February 2014, 04:47 PM	#5
Matt Easton Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, Great Britain. Posts: 53	Archer, I have a similar (though different shape) mark on an Indian blade of mine and am also curious to know if these are makers' stamps (which is what I believe them to be).

22nd February 2014, 01:41 AM	#6
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Somehow I do not have a feeling it was purposefully serrated: looks like a ton of tiny nicks to me.