19thc Indo-Persian or 20thc tourist?

[harrywagner]

Possibly. It might be one of the many Indian languages and not Arabic at all, or a combination of the two. I will post some better photos later today.

I consider an item a fake when it pretends to be something it is not (fake Rolex, newly manufactured "antique", etc.). And I agree that price can be a factor in determining if an item is a fake or real. However, I would excersise caution there. Enough people counterfeit $20 bills these days that many cashiers examine them before accepting them.

[harrywagner]

Hopefully these are better. Here is how the seller described it:

"5 3/8 curved d.e. blade. The front with large chiseled panel incorporating numerous Arabic or Hindi characters, likely identifying the owner and date. Reverse with crisp maker's mark. One piece horn hilt with white metal mounts. Black leather covered scabbard with matching WM mounts".

If it is a tourist item wouldn't you expect to see others similar to this occasionally? They would not make just one, right?

[A.alnakkas]

Yes that's not Arabic but obviously who ever wrote it tried to make it seem Arabic. I also think this piece is a tourist piece.

[Robert]

I hate to say it, but just by looking at the overall fit and finish of this piece I must also agree that it is a tourist piece. JMHO

Best,
Robert

[harrywagner]

Thanks everyone. Comments appreciated.

[harrywagner]

I am uncertain if I am allowed to say this or not, but will try. The moderators can remove it if is not allowed.

I purchased this item and the "beater sword" in Michigan. Both were sold as 19thc.

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by harrywagner

I am uncertain if I am allowed to say this or not, but will try. The moderators can remove it if is not allowed.

I purchased this item and the "beater sword" in Michigan. Both were sold as 19thc.

Harry, just a comment which you may or may not take heed of. If you look at many of the listings on a well known website, you will see that there are a lot of items described as older than they actually appear, or in fact are, to try and extract the most from any buyer. IMHO try and stick to reputable/well known sellers either on the internet or elsewhere, and hopefully you will not get stung so often. However it is the buyer who in the end must accept the blame if things are not as they are described. The ultimate of course is to have a "return" agreement so that you can return the item if it is not as you thought.
Collecting is something which establishes knowledge over time, but as has been said before it can be fatal to rush into a purchase without doing your homework first.
Stu