khayber Sword

Jim McDougall · 23rd May 2007, 04:35 PM

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!

very good observation on the 19th c. Pathan electricians tape!!!!

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

Jens Nordlunde · 23rd May 2007, 05:13 PM

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

spiral · 23rd May 2007, 06:01 PM

Nice piece Bill, Given the walrus hilt & clearly original koftgari I would be surprised if it isnt wootz.

Spiral

Rick · 23rd May 2007, 06:17 PM

A fancy piece , just closed.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ayphotohosting

ward · 23rd May 2007, 08:49 PM

The circle motif are eyes of god basically coming from pre islam birds looking down at people. from the construction I would date to very end of 19th century

Montino Bourbon · 24th May 2007, 01:29 AM

Is done (IMHO) with a drill bit that makes a hole the diameter of the circle. the old bits have a guide tip in the center, like a modern Forstner bit.

Bill M · 24th May 2007, 02:16 AM

These circular patterns are common to several cultures. I would guess that with a compass-like tool, or a drill bit similar to a Forstner bit.

I have these patterns on an Afircan Lega/Wega ivory carving and a bichwa.

There is an interesting thread about these swords comparing them to some other weapons.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...hlight=khayber

According to Artzi, mine could be from Persia / Mideast area because it has walrus grips. Here is a pciture from that thread showing a khayber with koftgari. The koftgari traces on mine could indicate it once had a blade decorated like Artzi's

24th May 2007, 01:29 AM	#6
Montino Bourbon Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Santa Barbara, California Posts: 301	the circle motif... Is done (IMHO) with a drill bit that makes a hole the diameter of the circle. the old bits have a guide tip in the center, like a modern Forstner bit.

24th May 2007, 02:16 AM	#7
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	These circular patterns are common to several cultures. I would guess that with a compass-like tool, or a drill bit similar to a Forstner bit. I have these patterns on an Afircan Lega/Wega ivory carving and a bichwa. There is an interesting thread about these swords comparing them to some other weapons. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...hlight=khayber According to Artzi, mine could be from Persia / Mideast area because it has walrus grips. Here is a pciture from that thread showing a khayber with koftgari. The koftgari traces on mine could indicate it once had a blade decorated like Artzi's Attached Images Last edited by Bill Marsh; 24th May 2007 at 03:12 PM.

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23rd May 2007, 04:35 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	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! very good observation on the 19th c. Pathan electricians tape!!!! 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

23rd May 2007, 05:13 PM	#2
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	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

23rd May 2007, 06:01 PM	#3
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	Nice piece Bill, Given the walrus hilt & clearly original koftgari I would be surprised if it isnt wootz. Spiral

23rd May 2007, 06:17 PM	#4
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	A fancy piece , just closed. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ayphotohosting

23rd May 2007, 08:49 PM	#5
ward Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 637	The circle motif are eyes of god basically coming from pre islam birds looking down at people. from the construction I would date to very end of 19th century