Tawdry Tulwar.

Norman McCormick · 21st March 2009, 02:23 PM

Hi,
Stripped the hilt and I am very pleased with the results. David kindly suggested an early 20th Century date on the basis of the previous photos, looking at these photos do you think it might slip into the 19th? The removal of the paint revealed a 4 stamped into the hilt, any suggestions? There also appears to have been numbers/letters stamped into the blade at the hilt but unfortunately they seem to have been lost. Any ideas welcome.
Regards,
Norman.

Pukka Bundook · 21st March 2009, 02:48 PM

Hi Norman,
I don't see anything that would suggest a date later than mid-19th century really, other than the blade doesn't look to have been re-sharpened as have many.
If I guessed, I'd say 1850 -75.....but there are many here who know more than me!
Armoury stamps suggest this isn't a real late piece.

Best wishes,

R.

Atlantia · 21st March 2009, 03:07 PM

Its a nice sword. Does anyone think its a late 19th/early 20thC military tulwar?

Norman McCormick · 21st March 2009, 04:19 PM

Hi Guys,
Thanks for the input, the original photos were unclear and with the painted hilt the piece did look newer than now supposed. I'm pleased we're now into the 19th Cent, the blade on this is exceptionally sharp and 'beefy' in my experience with an unusually large pommel disc and a nice yelman even the grip is a wee bit bigger than usual. I don't think this is a military issue Tulwar, blade is too well made. Somebody has had a real go at the blade so I want to take some photos and see what you think. Thanks again.
My Regards,
Norman.

katana · 22nd March 2009, 10:27 PM

Hi Norman,
I'm beginning to wonder whether this is a British made Tulwar....

I'm hoping Jim or Jens may have some ideas

Regards David

Norman McCormick · 23rd March 2009, 05:55 PM

Hi,
A photo of the blade near the hilt, as you can see by the direction of the scratches it has been attacked with a sander/grinder up to the bottom of the langet and then 'sanded' in a different direction from there. I reckon it might take quite a bit to reverse this but it is possible, do you think this 'sanding' is period or is it a modern 'mistake'? David can you elucidate further on the British connection?
My Regards,
Norman.

P.S. Jim/Jens any ideas welcomed.

katana · 24th March 2009, 11:52 AM

Hi Norman,
Robert Mole (Birmingham) produced a number of Tulwars to directly supply some Indian Regiments. However, the examples I can find do not have the same hilt. I believe several other swordsmiths also did the same....but cannot find the info.

The reason I suggested British manufacture was because of the '4' on the hilt ....I originally thought this could be a 'casting' number ie the 'mould' number. However , on relection the '4' seems to have been stamped and not 'cast'.......which would change the situation...somewhat

.

The obscured markings on the blade....do they look like a series of dots which may or may not appear to be smallish letters /numbers/ symbols....

It is a shame about the blade.....it is possible to remove the hilt......heat will loosen the resin and allow you to remove the blade.....that way you could grind out the majority of the deep scores ( little and often to prevent too much heat build up) and then resort to emery paper / 'wet and dry' ....gradually using finer grades.

Kind Regards David

21st March 2009, 02:23 PM	#1
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,613	Hi, Stripped the hilt and I am very pleased with the results. David kindly suggested an early 20th Century date on the basis of the previous photos, looking at these photos do you think it might slip into the 19th? The removal of the paint revealed a 4 stamped into the hilt, any suggestions? There also appears to have been numbers/letters stamped into the blade at the hilt but unfortunately they seem to have been lost. Any ideas welcome. Regards, Norman. Attached Images

23rd March 2009, 05:55 PM	#6
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,613	Hi, A photo of the blade near the hilt, as you can see by the direction of the scratches it has been attacked with a sander/grinder up to the bottom of the langet and then 'sanded' in a different direction from there. I reckon it might take quite a bit to reverse this but it is possible, do you think this 'sanding' is period or is it a modern 'mistake'? David can you elucidate further on the British connection? My Regards, Norman. P.S. Jim/Jens any ideas welcomed. Attached Images Last edited by Norman McCormick; 23rd March 2009 at 06:34 PM.

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21st March 2009, 02:48 PM	#2
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	Hi Norman, I don't see anything that would suggest a date later than mid-19th century really, other than the blade doesn't look to have been re-sharpened as have many. If I guessed, I'd say 1850 -75.....but there are many here who know more than me! Armoury stamps suggest this isn't a real late piece. Best wishes, R.

21st March 2009, 03:07 PM	#3
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Its a nice sword. Does anyone think its a late 19th/early 20thC military tulwar?

21st March 2009, 04:19 PM	#4
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,613	Hi Guys, Thanks for the input, the original photos were unclear and with the painted hilt the piece did look newer than now supposed. I'm pleased we're now into the 19th Cent, the blade on this is exceptionally sharp and 'beefy' in my experience with an unusually large pommel disc and a nice yelman even the grip is a wee bit bigger than usual. I don't think this is a military issue Tulwar, blade is too well made. Somebody has had a real go at the blade so I want to take some photos and see what you think. Thanks again. My Regards, Norman.

22nd March 2009, 10:27 PM	#5
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Hi Norman, I'm beginning to wonder whether this is a British made Tulwar.... I'm hoping Jim or Jens may have some ideas Regards David

24th March 2009, 11:52 AM	#7
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Hi Norman, Robert Mole (Birmingham) produced a number of Tulwars to directly supply some Indian Regiments. However, the examples I can find do not have the same hilt. I believe several other swordsmiths also did the same....but cannot find the info. The reason I suggested British manufacture was because of the '4' on the hilt ....I originally thought this could be a 'casting' number ie the 'mould' number. However , on relection the '4' seems to have been stamped and not 'cast'.......which would change the situation...somewhat . The obscured markings on the blade....do they look like a series of dots which may or may not appear to be smallish letters /numbers/ symbols.... It is a shame about the blade.....it is possible to remove the hilt......heat will loosen the resin and allow you to remove the blade.....that way you could grind out the majority of the deep scores ( little and often to prevent too much heat build up) and then resort to emery paper / 'wet and dry' ....gradually using finer grades. Kind Regards David