Dusägge around 1600

[broadaxe]

Keep in mind that many tulwars were fitted with European trade blades.

[kronckew]

Originally Posted by broadaxe

Keep in mind that many tulwars were fitted with European trade blades.

a most interesting story was about the sepoy rebellion, the british troops surpressing the revolt complained that their new model straighter sabres did not cut as well as the indian tulwars. it was discovered these tulwars had been re-bladed with surplus 'obsolete' UK 1796 LC sabre blades. the indians sharpened these, while the brits were lax in sharpening theirs, and the metal scabbards tended to dull their blades anyway. the indians used leather scabbards with wood linings. thus we come full circle, the original designs of the 1796lc appeared to be based on indian tulwars.

[Timo Nieminen]

Originally Posted by kronckew

the original designs of the 1796lc appeared to be based on indian tulwars.

So it is often said, but probably not the case. Almost certainly based on eastern European hussar sabres. There are 18th century, e.g., Hungarian, hussar blades where the family resemblance is clear.

[kronckew]

indeed, that's why i said 'appeared'. my reference said the comments on it at the time were that it was based on the hussar sabres of the east and also a resemblance to indian tulwars was mentioned. i imagine soldiers as well as design engineers of the period were familiar with all these styles.