Hilt of an old South-Indian sword

ariel · 30th December 2015, 10:14 PM

Got myself a New Year present.

Elgood's book has 3 somewhat similar: back cover and pic # 11-5 on p. 111, but mine is, AFAIK, even better and purely local in character. Horrendously heavy, with very thick bronze, and the cavity is still filled with very old mastique. Surfaces in excellent shape, small dings, no losses, beautiful patina.

Need your opinion:
- should I leave it like that, or find it a blade?
- if she should get married, what kind of a groom does she deserve? Tulwar or something else? Wootz? Or, taking into account that wootz blades were not very frequent on S. Indian swords, should I find mechanical damascus?

Appreciate all your opinions and ... Happy New Year!

30th December 2015, 10:14 PM	#1
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Hilt of an old South-Indian sword Got myself a New Year present. Elgood's book has 3 somewhat similar: back cover and pic # 11-5 on p. 111, but mine is, AFAIK, even better and purely local in character. Horrendously heavy, with very thick bronze, and the cavity is still filled with very old mastique. Surfaces in excellent shape, small dings, no losses, beautiful patina. Need your opinion: - should I leave it like that, or find it a blade? - if she should get married, what kind of a groom does she deserve? Tulwar or something else? Wootz? Or, taking into account that wootz blades were not very frequent on S. Indian swords, should I find mechanical damascus? Appreciate all your opinions and ... Happy New Year! Attached Images