Tulwar bought on Sunday, 09.02.25

[David R]

Last of the items bought last Sunday, a fairly typical Tulwar but with enough differences to make it worth posting here for comment and advice. At first sight mounting a western made trade blade, two narrow fullers and a long ricasso, and a western style spearpoint and false edge. It has a full length tang peened at the base of the hilt! The hilt is white metal, probably "Paktong" (白銅) or similar, and has some fine engraved decoration. I have some thoughts, but I am reserving them as I am more interested in what others have to say first.

[Battara]

Interesting chasing work. Makes me think it was rehiltd with the top being brass and the peened top.

[David R]

Not brass at all, it's all a dull silver in colour, the yellow colour is due to the light. From wikipedia, "A naturally occurring ore composition in China was smelted into the alloy known as paktong or báitóng (白銅) ('white copper' or cupro nickel)."

It's a fairly common silver substitute in the East, and was imported into Europe The earliest European mention of paktong occurs in the year 1597. From then until the end of the eighteenth century there are references to it as having been exported from Canton to Europe.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by David R

Not brass at all, it's all a dull silver in colour, the yellow colour is due to the light. From wikipedia, "A naturally occurring ore composition in China was smelted into the alloy known as paktong or báitóng (白銅) ('white copper' or cupro nickel)."

It's a fairly common silver substitute in the East, and was imported into Europe The earliest European mention of paktong occurs in the year 1597. From then until the end of the eighteenth century there are references to it as having been exported from Canton to Europe.

David, this is a GREAT bit of information, and really important to note in the dilemmas we face in identifying these swords which often have these odd metallic characteristics. Thank you so much!!! Going in my notes in block letters