A Decent Afghani Sword

drac2k · 8th July 2018, 04:42 PM

I recently picked this up in a group purchase and I was pleasantly surprised by what I believe to be a decent Afghani sword. It is the first one that I have with what appears to be enamel inserts in silver. I am guessing that this item is pre WW2.
Any information would be welcomed.

David R · 8th July 2018, 05:11 PM

This could be enamel, or even paint. Another possibility would be a mixture of ground semi precious stone (coral) and glue, something used a lot for jewellery in that part of the world.
And yes, I would say you have a good 'un.

drac2k · 8th July 2018, 08:12 PM

Thanks!

Oliver Pinchot · 8th July 2018, 08:20 PM

It's sealing wax. Very popular as an "inlay" medium because it's simple to work. Common in Iran as well as Central Asia.

drac2k · 9th July 2018, 03:50 AM

When I first read your suggestion that it could be sealing wax it didn't make any sense until I looked up the definition;" a mixture of shellac and rosin with turpentine & pigment softened by heating."
It now makes perfect sense since I have been educated.

8th July 2018, 04:42 PM	#1
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	A Decent Afghani Sword I recently picked this up in a group purchase and I was pleasantly surprised by what I believe to be a decent Afghani sword. It is the first one that I have with what appears to be enamel inserts in silver. I am guessing that this item is pre WW2. Any information would be welcomed. Attached Images

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8th July 2018, 05:11 PM	#2
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,079	This could be enamel, or even paint. Another possibility would be a mixture of ground semi precious stone (coral) and glue, something used a lot for jewellery in that part of the world. And yes, I would say you have a good 'un.

8th July 2018, 08:12 PM	#3
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	Thanks!

8th July 2018, 08:20 PM	#4
Oliver Pinchot Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 457	It's sealing wax. Very popular as an "inlay" medium because it's simple to work. Common in Iran as well as Central Asia.

9th July 2018, 03:50 AM	#5
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	When I first read your suggestion that it could be sealing wax it didn't make any sense until I looked up the definition;" a mixture of shellac and rosin with turpentine & pigment softened by heating." It now makes perfect sense since I have been educated.