A Rajput with his sword

[Rick]

Hi Jens,
You can see it entire in post #6 .

Circles with dots on the rivet washers and the simple line and dot decoration of the hilt hint of it (my opinion); the blade stamp is possibly that of Mazar I Sharif ?
Or do I just imagine a slight resemblance to that mark everywhere I look ?

Then there's the terminal on the knucklebow which resembles the down turned quillon on a pulouar .

[Jim McDougall]

OK Rick! Its 'Great Game'-o-phobia!! You're seeing our much discussed Afghan armoury stamp again! Actually though, I think that stamp occurred in a different position on the blades, at least on those Afghan military sabres. It seems it was the cartouche with the Mosque with what appear to be cannons on either side if I recall, and was stamped in the ricasso block nearest the blade edge. I dont think this is the stamp, but as you note, we cant really see it, and I dont recall if that stamp was found on any other weapons or blade locations.

I do agree that this may well be a talwar from those northern regions near Afghanistan, though the actual hilt form favors those typically considered of Rajasthan manufacture. If you recall the thread from last March, by Pukka Bundook ("Bad News Tulwar") where the pretty much trashed blade was beautifully restored by Bundook, and the hilt (though of variant form) had a rivet which was covered by a floral device very similar to this, presuming this to be the original affectation.

That particular talwar with similar placed device seems somewhat associated with this example with the dotted line decor. The Pukka Bundook example was apparantly furbished at some point near Afghan regions, evidenced by the scabbard it was found in, which had the pierced mounts and long, fluted piece at the base, as found with Afghan paluoar scabbards. Perhaps a somewhat stretched association, but still suggesting far north regions.

The stylized semi circle with dot in the floral device on the chowk may suggest the crescent and star as noted, but more research on the symbolism. More typically found in Afghan regions is the full circle enclosing a dot.

Also interesting is the rather 'mechanical' looking lines with dots, which seem, to recall structured metal with rivets, such as in armour. It seems that the Pukka Bundook talwar had on the blade a flourish device inscribed at the beginning of the fuller and was outlined with dot type accent throughout the flourish which itself accented the fuller.This type inscribing was typical on European blades and was probably copied by the armourer, though very crudely from trade or captured examples. It does seem worthy of note in comparison with this unusual motif.

[galvano]

after cleaning ??

[Jim McDougall]

Thanks Galvano.
Do you by any chance have any thoughts on this very interesting tulwar?
Have you done any research on its possible origins?

[Jim McDougall]

Hi Jens,
Absolutely breathtaking tulwar you have posted!!! weapons of this quality have become your trademark!!!
The motif that encircle the inner disc of the pommel dish seem floral rather than solar, although in the circling fashion in the same manner. Can you identify the flowers in the upper part of the disc? They seem different than the motif underneath and on the grip.
The example you post reminds me of the architectural influences often seen on Indian weapons, the varying structure of the pommel cap associated with the stupa.

All the best,
Jim

[galvano]

For me its Indian blade
I do not see the stamp well.
The blade is thick and heavy.
In the hand the sword is unbalanced and heavy towards the blade.
galvano

[spiral]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

OK Rick! Its 'Great Game'-o-phobia!! You're seeing our much discussed Afghan armoury stamp again! Actually though, I think that stamp occurred in a different position on the blades, at least on those Afghan military sabres. It seems it was the cartouche with the Mosque with what appear to be cannons on either side if I recall, and was stamped in the ricasso block nearest the blade edge. I dont think this is the stamp, but as you note, we cant really see it, and I dont recall if that stamp was found on any other weapons or blade locations.

.

Heres a few more examples of the supposed Mazar I sharif marking from my personal collection, I know & can probably obtain numerous varitions of examples on re stamped English as well as Afghan blades blades up to the 1920s. {Which of course by then were set within a sun marking.






Interestingly although it does indeed show the blue mosque at Mazar al sharif it is also actualy the standard Royal Afghamn coat of arms as seen on all Afghan coins etc. minted at Kabul etc. at that time.

I wonder if ther is any evidence to point to the mazar armoury compared to it bieng just the Royal Afghan issue mark? without a particular armoury attachment?

Anyone any facts to share?

Spiral

[Jim McDougall]

Very impressive grouping Spiral!!! Thanks for posting these.
It is really interesting to see a kukri with Afghan weapons! though I know the Afghan military followed British military fashion closely in the latter 19th c. and military issue kukris would seem in line. Was that the case?

Your point on the marking corresponding to those on coins of the period is spot on, this was how I originally confirmed the stamped marking on a c.1890's Afghan miliary sabre. Nusimatics can sometimes be very helpful in blade marking identification.

Best regards,
Jim

[spiral]

Hi Jim, I think that particular kukri is offcial Afghan military issue, but i have others that are much more Afghan tribal as well, I think the Afghans copied any sword firearm or knife they found usefull?

I know of & have seen kukri captured from Afghanis by the 9th Gurkhas as late as 1932 in Waziristan during "incidents" with Afghan based tribes.

The bayonet is an Afghan copy of the 1888 Brit, lee metford bayonet, the sabre I guess is for Afghan cavalry? it seems rather kilij in style to me? But such weapons are not truly my strong point.

Spiral