help on a strange sword , translation on arab inscription ...

[Timo Nieminen]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Salaams Timo Nieminen, I think it is a mixture but based on a new Chinese sword as at the start of your post. I think the top ring on the pommel has snapped off...on which the tassel would have been tied. The crossguard is odd.

I've never seen a Chinese-style sword with a wheel pommel (or wheel pommel + peen block, or wheel pommel + ring). If you're thinking of a specific example, I'd be interested in seeing it.

The shape of the pommel is very European. The decoration on the pommel is not. Here is an example of a modern replica with this shape pommel: http://www.myarmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=14705

This particular sword might be inspired by a famous sword. Here is a review of a replica, with original for comparison: http://www.myarmoury.com/review_aa_hen.html

(David, I haven't seen a blade like this on modern replica/fantasy stuff out of China. Unless the lighting exaggerates the waviness and unevenness of the blade.)