Interesting Serrated Pulwar

Jim McDougall · 13th February 2014, 06:29 PM

Very nice example Archer . These sabres are apparently in actuality versions of the tulwar which are notably attributed to Afghan preference, and with strong Persian influence . They are often considered to have certain similarities to Deccani swords, and have been discussed here often through the years.
The stamped 'sickle' marks or eyelash marks are commonly found on these blades on paluaor in this configuration and location, and are not in any way related to the EIC. Actually it would be interesting to discover more on where these were produced as the form and markings seem relatively consistant.

archer · 13th February 2014, 08:21 PM

Hi Jim, I was referring to the fifth photo and should have been clearer and marked the ricasso area that has a hard to see stamp that maybe E.I.C. Now added as the last photo. I wonder about the tiny serrations could these be used to slice the silk scarf of legend or just to rip flesh. I've learned that the three dot pattern or the eye lashes are reason enough to take a better look. Steve

Jim McDougall · 13th February 2014, 09:36 PM

Thanks Archer, I saw that but didn't realize that was what you were referring to. Im not sure what that stamp is but it is in an area of the blade where many North Indian blades are stamped with cartouches. As far as I have known it remains unclear whether arsenal or that type stamp.
The EIC as I understand did not mark blades, and I have never seen the balemark on blades It does however appear on firearms locks and bayonets though.

Matt Easton · 20th February 2014, 04:47 PM

Archer, I have a similar (though different shape) mark on an Indian blade of mine and am also curious to know if these are makers' stamps (which is what I believe them to be).

ariel · 22nd February 2014, 01:41 AM

Somehow I do not have a feeling it was purposefully serrated: looks like a ton of tiny nicks to me.

spiral · 22nd February 2014, 05:02 PM

I agree... Some old rotary style kitchen knife sharpeners, damage blades in that fairly regular manner.

spiral

archer · 22nd February 2014, 07:37 PM

Hi, Some poor photos but they should point out the teeth were not purely by accident and pose the question I had earlier WHY were they so laboriously
done? Spiro, I have an old restaurant steak knife sharpeners so, I can see what your thinking, but they are at least evenly spaced a few remaining spots are probably 25-30 teeth per inch and new by they trend to far courser. All the deep cuts show the same patina as the blade had before cleaning. Given the various sizes they likely were not done with a bastard file, likely done one cut at a time. Thanks for your input hope additional shots will cause more debate. Steve

13th February 2014, 08:21 PM	#2
archer Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 373	added photo reply Hi Jim, I was referring to the fifth photo and should have been clearer and marked the ricasso area that has a hard to see stamp that maybe E.I.C. Now added as the last photo. I wonder about the tiny serrations could these be used to slice the silk scarf of legend or just to rip flesh. I've learned that the three dot pattern or the eye lashes are reason enough to take a better look. Steve

22nd February 2014, 07:37 PM	#7
archer Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 373	Irregular Serrations Hi, Some poor photos but they should point out the teeth were not purely by accident and pose the question I had earlier WHY were they so laboriously done? Spiro, I have an old restaurant steak knife sharpeners so, I can see what your thinking, but they are at least evenly spaced a few remaining spots are probably 25-30 teeth per inch and new by they trend to far courser. All the deep cuts show the same patina as the blade had before cleaning. Given the various sizes they likely were not done with a bastard file, likely done one cut at a time. Thanks for your input hope additional shots will cause more debate. Steve Attached Images

13th February 2014, 06:29 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,190	Very nice example Archer . These sabres are apparently in actuality versions of the tulwar which are notably attributed to Afghan preference, and with strong Persian influence . They are often considered to have certain similarities to Deccani swords, and have been discussed here often through the years. The stamped 'sickle' marks or eyelash marks are commonly found on these blades on paluaor in this configuration and location, and are not in any way related to the EIC. Actually it would be interesting to discover more on where these were produced as the form and markings seem relatively consistant.

13th February 2014, 09:36 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,190	Thanks Archer, I saw that but didn't realize that was what you were referring to. Im not sure what that stamp is but it is in an area of the blade where many North Indian blades are stamped with cartouches. As far as I have known it remains unclear whether arsenal or that type stamp. The EIC as I understand did not mark blades, and I have never seen the balemark on blades It does however appear on firearms locks and bayonets though.

20th February 2014, 04:47 PM	#4
Matt Easton Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, Great Britain. Posts: 53	Archer, I have a similar (though different shape) mark on an Indian blade of mine and am also curious to know if these are makers' stamps (which is what I believe them to be).

22nd February 2014, 01:41 AM	#5
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Somehow I do not have a feeling it was purposefully serrated: looks like a ton of tiny nicks to me.

22nd February 2014, 05:02 PM	#6
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	I agree... Some old rotary style kitchen knife sharpeners, damage blades in that fairly regular manner. spiral