Age of indian sword?

[CharlesS]

I'd like to see better pics and possibly an etch of the blade, but I am not entirely...or even at all...convinced that this piece is "brand new".

Did it come from India? or elsewhere?

Could we get pics of the top side and inside of the pommel.

I suspect if this blade is etched it may show Indian style crystalline wootz steel....and not the new type.

The heavy silver koftgari is not a style or quality typical to reproductions.

...I'd have too see more to have an opinion.

[ALEX]

Originally Posted by CharlesS

I'd like to see better pics and possibly an etch of the blade, but I am not entirely...or even at all...convinced that this piece is "brand new".

Did it come from India? or elsewhere?

Could we get pics of the top side and inside of the pommel.

I suspect if this blade is etched it may show Indian style crystalline wootz steel....and not the new type.

The heavy silver koftgari is not a style or quality typical to reproductions.

...I'd have too see more to have an opinion.

This is a proper approach coming from truly experienced professional, accomplished collector and highly esteemed colleague. Bravo, Charles!

[Runjeet Singh]

To my eye this sword is 19th Century and completely genuine. How do I know? Now that is a difficult question, I think you just have to look at lots of originals and compare them to the fakes.

The fakes that are coming out of India, always have technical inaccuracies. They are either too poor in quality, or so perfect it looks obvious. The forgers cannot seem to get the balance. Proportions, weights and sizes also prove difficult areas for these people to grasp.

I don't want to go into specifics, so not to give the forgers too much info, but there are tell tale signs on this sword to indicate its age.

Hope that helps,
Runjeet Singh.