Mystery sword...part 2

Jim McDougall · 1st October 2007, 05:25 AM

Hi David,
Actually your thought on this piece having certain tulwar characteristics is interestingly more well placed than my original thought, and it does seem this could have some association with the British Raj in India. While military regulation was indeed very controlled in the weapons of rank and file, the officers often were given wide range in the weapons they wore. This was especially true in India, where officers often assumed many elements of Indian fashion and often carried hybridized weapons.

The 'Whites' marking may well suggest one of the many outfitters that existed in both England and in India providing such weapons to both British officers, and in some cases, British gentry in India. Possibly this sword may have been intended for such instance. The decoration at the center of the crosspiece is quite interesting, and may offer some clues as you suggest.
Swords like this are always exciting to research, you never know what mysteries might be revealed!!! The games afoot!!!

All the best,
Jim

katana · 2nd October 2007, 09:36 PM

Hi Jim,
thanks for your latest reply. I feel almost certain that this has (had)connections with India.

Interestingly, there was a documentary recently shown, that showed the history of British involvement in India. It was very common that officers (during the early stages of Colonial rule) embraced the Indian way of life, often wearing the local attire , when 'out of uniform', some 'adopted Hindu/Islamic practices and a number took Indian brides. Many had a great 'appreciation' of Indian history/culture.

But, much of this was 'hidden' ......it seems that British officials turned a 'blind eye'....and perhaps due to 'negative propaganda; the British public never knew. I would assume that it was in the interests of these officials that the British people continued to believe that India was a 'second class' society for political reasons. If the public had discovered the facts .....embarassing questions would have been asked of the government.

1st October 2007, 05:25 AM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	Hi David, Actually your thought on this piece having certain tulwar characteristics is interestingly more well placed than my original thought, and it does seem this could have some association with the British Raj in India. While military regulation was indeed very controlled in the weapons of rank and file, the officers often were given wide range in the weapons they wore. This was especially true in India, where officers often assumed many elements of Indian fashion and often carried hybridized weapons. The 'Whites' marking may well suggest one of the many outfitters that existed in both England and in India providing such weapons to both British officers, and in some cases, British gentry in India. Possibly this sword may have been intended for such instance. The decoration at the center of the crosspiece is quite interesting, and may offer some clues as you suggest. Swords like this are always exciting to research, you never know what mysteries might be revealed!!! The games afoot!!! All the best, Jim

2nd October 2007, 09:36 PM	#2
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Hi Jim, thanks for your latest reply. I feel almost certain that this has (had)connections with India. Interestingly, there was a documentary recently shown, that showed the history of British involvement in India. It was very common that officers (during the early stages of Colonial rule) embraced the Indian way of life, often wearing the local attire , when 'out of uniform', some 'adopted Hindu/Islamic practices and a number took Indian brides. Many had a great 'appreciation' of Indian history/culture. But, much of this was 'hidden' ......it seems that British officials turned a 'blind eye'....and perhaps due to 'negative propaganda; the British public never knew. I would assume that it was in the interests of these officials that the British people continued to believe that India was a 'second class' society for political reasons. If the public had discovered the facts .....embarassing questions would have been asked of the government.