Sword for ID on SFI

Tim Simmons · 8th June 2005, 08:03 PM

That does look like an elephant head which could indicate a more easterly origin in India or Nepal.It might be a form of Ram Dao if thats the right name.I know the knife Rsword is talking about, but this does not look as heavy as one of those, they have a knuckle duster as a knuckle bow.Tim

Andy Davis · 8th June 2005, 08:33 PM

Taken a good look at it and while there is little detail e.g no eyes and mainly outline, it deffinately has a trunk, so a Elephant it is.

Rick · 8th June 2005, 09:58 PM

So do we suppose there were once jewels in those two bezel mounts(?) on either side of the hilt ? Also note the possibly symbolic three dots in the pommel plate ; some of the floriform decoration on the handle looks almost Tibetan .
Fascinating sword !

Andy , I made a large close up from your picture of the 'elephant' ; okay to post it ?

Lew · 8th June 2005, 10:22 PM

Hi Guys

I will throw in my two cents. It strikes me as Indo Persian the knuckle guard screams tulwar the brass overlay is similar to flyssa hilts and the blade is North Indian or even Afghan due to the shape of the choil (as in khyber knives). I have seen a similar blade shape in Dr. Feigels book on wootz swords.

Lew

Andy Davis · 9th June 2005, 12:03 AM

Go for it Rick, do the elephant thing. Has anybody else noticed the small ridge, about a third of the way along the inside of the handle. Looks a bit like a trigger but seems to be to improve grip. Have we encounterd that before?
Cheers
Andy

M.carter · 9th June 2005, 01:00 AM

Umm? guys, is SFI down again? All the forums seem to be locked to me. Is it only me, or is anyone else experiencing this?

Rick · 9th June 2005, 02:58 AM

I added the pictures to your post Andy .

IMO if this is a depiction of an elephant it was done by someone who had never seen one in the flesh .

Still thinking it's N.W. Indo Persian , but the engraving is unsophisticated which to me would indicate a less advanced tribe or culture .
Definitely a ceremonial piece or we would have seen one before this .

8th June 2005, 08:03 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,935	That does look like an elephant head which could indicate a more easterly origin in India or Nepal.It might be a form of Ram Dao if thats the right name.I know the knife Rsword is talking about, but this does not look as heavy as one of those, they have a knuckle duster as a knuckle bow.Tim Last edited by Tim Simmons; 8th June 2005 at 08:43 PM.

8th June 2005, 08:33 PM	#2
Andy Davis Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: England, Northumberland Posts: 85	Elephant it is Taken a good look at it and while there is little detail e.g no eyes and mainly outline, it deffinately has a trunk, so a Elephant it is.

9th June 2005, 12:03 AM	#5
Andy Davis Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: England, Northumberland Posts: 85	Big Elephant Go for it Rick, do the elephant thing. Has anybody else noticed the small ridge, about a third of the way along the inside of the handle. Looks a bit like a trigger but seems to be to improve grip. Have we encounterd that before? Cheers Andy Attached Images Last edited by Rick; 9th June 2005 at 02:53 AM.

8th June 2005, 09:58 PM	#3
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,378	So do we suppose there were once jewels in those two bezel mounts(?) on either side of the hilt ? Also note the possibly symbolic three dots in the pommel plate ; some of the floriform decoration on the handle looks almost Tibetan . Fascinating sword ! Andy , I made a large close up from your picture of the 'elephant' ; okay to post it ?

8th June 2005, 10:22 PM	#4
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	Hi Guys I will throw in my two cents. It strikes me as Indo Persian the knuckle guard screams tulwar the brass overlay is similar to flyssa hilts and the blade is North Indian or even Afghan due to the shape of the choil (as in khyber knives). I have seen a similar blade shape in Dr. Feigels book on wootz swords. Lew

9th June 2005, 01:00 AM	#6
M.carter Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 176	Umm? guys, is SFI down again? All the forums seem to be locked to me. Is it only me, or is anyone else experiencing this?

9th June 2005, 02:58 AM	#7
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,378	I added the pictures to your post Andy . IMO if this is a depiction of an elephant it was done by someone who had never seen one in the flesh . Still thinking it's N.W. Indo Persian , but the engraving is unsophisticated which to me would indicate a less advanced tribe or culture . Definitely a ceremonial piece or we would have seen one before this .