Could the eyelash mark originate from Vienna ?

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Jens Nordlunde

I am by no way a specialist, but my guess is, that the very deep marks were made while the steel was very warm, and the not so deep marks were made when the steel was cold.

I ask a similar question at #28 . We simply do not know if the strike was made at the anvil when the blade was hot or ... Were the marks done on a cold blade in a different country? It is known that many blades were suited up later with blade marks but we don't know if they were done on the forge hot or cold.

[DavidFriedman]

Greetings all,
This blade has what appears to be remnants of eyelash marks. The triple dots that are found at the terminations of the crescents remain. Both sides feature the same markings. Also there is a micro remnant of an eyelash crescent on one side of the blade. Not sure if it shows in these photos.

The blade is of exceptional quality. Light, flexible and narrow. Hilted on a tiger hilt. Not sure the coating on the hilt (any insight would be great there too).

So in your opinions, does this appear to be an Italian import blade? Or possibly an Indian made variant. Blade has a long indentation along the base of the spine for the first 7 or 8 inches from the guard.

Thanks.

[Jim McDougall]

An interesting saber, and with this tiger form hilt of course suggesting the regalia of the celebrated ruler of Mysore, Tipu Sultan, who was killed by British forces at Seringapatam in 1799.
In observing this sword from photos, it is of course hard to say with certainty that it is of the period, especially as such weapons were produced in a commemorative sense for some time after this.

However, the blade on this example may be Styrian, a region in Austria which closely followed many Italian blade producing conventions, which included the use of the famed 'sickle marks' (eyelashes) . These markings were typically deemed "Genoan' but in actuality were used in numerous North Italian blade making centers, with Genoa the part of departure for these exports.

Styrian blade making centers produced blades for various East European countries including Hungary. The rest of Europe, notably France, became enamored of the colorful hussar cavalry units and the influences of their uniforms and weapons as well as numbers of Hungarian officers and troops joined their ranks in the latter 18th c.

The French were situated in India to the east in the coastal region of Pondicherry in the mid 18th century and later, allied with some of the Indian states in the antagonizing of the British interests there.

Tipu Sultan had of course notable disdain for the British, and often had French advisors and supplied materials so 'by the numbers' it is possible that a Styrian blade, via French presence, might have come into Mysori hands and been used in this type of Mysori saber.

The sickle marks seem in the proper configuration, and the three dots punched deeply while the arcs normally present are indiscernible in these images.

I am not aware of Indian blades using these multiple fullers in this manner and the blade, though recalling certain Italian storta style forms, seems more probably Styrian IMO.

Hope this helps, despite clearly speculation and the tenuous possible solution.

[DavidFriedman]

Thank you Jim, for your detailed thoughts on it. My saber actually came with a yali tipped knuckle bow guard, which was so close to the hilt that it came off when my friend tried to wield it.

I do feel strongly that this blade is European. Thank you for the confirmation in regards to the double fullers.

Cheers

[DavidFriedman]

Here is another Tulwar with a very similar blade, in terms of fullers, hollow grooved spine, and similar eyelash marking stamps. Just much heavier and not as nimble.

Would you say that both blades would have originated in the same workshop?

[DavidFriedman]

More pics of larger Tulwar

[Jim McDougall]

Yes the first 'Tipu' style saber has a 'European' blade, as Styria is a region in Austria, considered part of Europe.

The tulwar is also a remarkable sword, and if these are both yours, you seem to have a most discerning eye for notable examples. While the blade is multi fullered in similar manner, the blade with widened distal end (yelman) and the hollowed spine suggest more Central Asian, perhaps Caucasian origin. However the blunted blade near hilt suggests possible North Indian origin, with this feature termed 'the Indian ricasso'.

It is a northern tulwar, and in typical Indo-Persian form with the disc pommel etc. of Rajasthani style and with that seemingly canted it seems again to call on certain Central Asian conventions . The notable 'sickle marks' seem remarkably well executed , but these are well known on Caucasian made blades as 'gurda'.
The form of tulwar prevalent in Afghanistan (paluoar)with quite distinctly different features than Indo-Persian (downturned quillons, bowl type pommel) is known to most often have sickle marks on the blade, while they do not seem as prevalent on blades to the south except as noted with European blades.

Attached N.Indian (Afghan) paluoar, note the sickle marks on Indian blade made, with these virtually ubiquitous on these Afghan swords'blades.
Next is an old Mughal tulwar with the distinctive Central Asian style yelman, widened point. This feature was designed to add impetus to the deadly draw cut which was a characteristic method in mounted swordsmanship favored by these tribal warriors.