Mystery sword...part 2

Jim McDougall · 1st October 2007, 05:25 AM

Hi David,
Actually your thought on this piece having certain tulwar characteristics is interestingly more well placed than my original thought, and it does seem this could have some association with the British Raj in India. While military regulation was indeed very controlled in the weapons of rank and file, the officers often were given wide range in the weapons they wore. This was especially true in India, where officers often assumed many elements of Indian fashion and often carried hybridized weapons.

The 'Whites' marking may well suggest one of the many outfitters that existed in both England and in India providing such weapons to both British officers, and in some cases, British gentry in India. Possibly this sword may have been intended for such instance. The decoration at the center of the crosspiece is quite interesting, and may offer some clues as you suggest.
Swords like this are always exciting to research, you never know what mysteries might be revealed!!! The games afoot!!!

All the best,
Jim

1st October 2007, 05:25 AM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	Hi David, Actually your thought on this piece having certain tulwar characteristics is interestingly more well placed than my original thought, and it does seem this could have some association with the British Raj in India. While military regulation was indeed very controlled in the weapons of rank and file, the officers often were given wide range in the weapons they wore. This was especially true in India, where officers often assumed many elements of Indian fashion and often carried hybridized weapons. The 'Whites' marking may well suggest one of the many outfitters that existed in both England and in India providing such weapons to both British officers, and in some cases, British gentry in India. Possibly this sword may have been intended for such instance. The decoration at the center of the crosspiece is quite interesting, and may offer some clues as you suggest. Swords like this are always exciting to research, you never know what mysteries might be revealed!!! The games afoot!!! All the best, Jim