Splendid silver Tulwar for translation and comments

[Gonzoadler]

Hello,

I recently acquired this sumptuos and heavy Tulwar. The hilt is made of silver and decorated with a fine worked snake, which entwines it. The finely pierced fittings of the leather covered wooden scabbard are made of silver, too. Only the suspension rings are probably made of another, harder white metal. The blade seems of persian origin to me and is made of Wootz-steel. It has some inscriptions I can not read.

total length: 95 cm
length without scabbard: 90 cm
blade length: 74 cm
maximum blade width: 3.6 cm
total weight: 1.573 kg

I am interested in a translation of the blade inscriptions and your comments regarding the age of the parts of this swords, it's origin, the meaning of it's decoration and so on.

Kind regards
Robin

[Gonzoadler]

More pictures:

[Tim Simmons]

Is this old?

[Jim McDougall]

For comparison: from Persian trade blade c.1800-20, the pictograph of the lion and cartouche Assad Allah.

[kahnjar1]

Beautiful sword but is this really a Tulwar?
Stu

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

Is this old?

I am far away from being an expert on Indian blades but I am very positive that this is old!

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Gonzoadler

Hello,

I recently acquired this sumptuos and heavy Tulwar. The hilt is made of silver and decorated with a fine worked snake, which entwines it. The finely pierced fittings of the leather covered wooden scabbard are made of silver, too. Only the suspension rings are probably made of another, harder white metal. The blade seems of persian origin to me and is made of Wootz-steel. It has some inscriptions I can not read.

total length: 95 cm
length without scabbard: 90 cm
blade length: 74 cm
maximum blade width: 3.6 cm
total weight: 1.573 kg

I am interested in a translation of the blade inscriptions and your comments regarding the age of the parts of this swords, it's origin, the meaning of it's decoration and so on.

Kind regards
Robin

What a beauty! Congrats Robin!

[Ian]

Beautiful sword and very unusual hilt for a tulwar. Lovely silver work on the scabbard.

[Jim McDougall]

Remarkable example of what reminds me of the Mughal court sword which is called the 'zafar takieh' (=cushion or crutch of victory). These were the sword versions of the crutch type dagger which was supposed to have been used by regal figures reclining in their courts during audiences etc.

Obviously this is a more stylized version and with the entwined serpent which seems to be among certain symbols in the complex dynamics of Persian imagery. I recall in the Sudan there were occasions of snakes appearing on certain blades and though cannot recall detail, it seems associated with certain Sufi dogma.

Persian theology including elements of Sufi are well known in the Mughal courts of India. The attached image of the Lion and cartouche resemble those used characteristically on the Persian trade blades of mid 18th into 19th with these representing Assad Allah which were well known through many ethnographic spheres, in my previous post this is on a Bedouin shamshir.

The beautiful filigree of the scabbard reminds me of Hyderabad style work though typically it is embossed silver in the mounts, The European style carry rings seem likely to be of course from those influences in the British Raj as the rococo leaf type decoration .
Recalls the kinds of weapon often presented during durbar. I have seen examples of native weapon forms such as remarkable Chinese jian crafted by British artisans and jewelers specifically created for diplomatic purposes, in this case perhaps for such events in the princely states and courts in India.

Though not typical for the usual Indo-Persian tulwar, the familiar grip form can be seen, and technically the term tulwar is applicable despite the variation.

The other example attached is a Deccani version in Persian form in steel, but with typical features of the unbiquitous Indo-Persian form seen. The blade is British M1788 cavalry with koftgari added at forte, likely from East India Co. contexts.

With this tulwar example posted in the OP, it is difficult to assess age on an item of this elegance which has been specifically produced in traditional form and combined elements and in silver. I can see watered pattern in the blade, but do not have the expertise to say more on the metallurgy.

[Gsingh]

Unusual hilt for this however that is a very nice persian dark wootz blade. The cartouche I believe may have been filled with gold at one point.

[Gonzoadler]

Thank you for the comments, especially Jim McDougall's are as always well researched and interesting.
I know that this is not an easy piece because it is very unique in style and the very good overall condition can iritate. But I have no doubt that it is an old piece, because of some traces of age like restaurations on the upper fitting of the scabbard and the fine wootz blade, which doesn't look like a modern copy. Maybe it needs a new etching.
The suggestion that it is maybe a presentation or court sword seems plausible to me.
Maybe some other members have seen something similar in the past and can post it. An estimation of the age of the handle and scabbard would be interesting, too, they are not necessarily as old as the blade, like many Ottoman swords show.
Also a translation of the inscriptions on both sides would be great.

Regards
Robin

[Jim McDougall]

Robin thank you so much for the very kind words which mean a lot. I do tend to get very involved with researching, and coincidentally have recently been studying English silver hilt swords and the artisans producing them in what is termed the Regency Period (late George III and George IV).

These were important times in the British Raj in India with the fall of Tipu Sultan in 1799 ending the 4th Anglo Mysore war, and the advent of British power, occupation and diplomacy in administrating India.

Rather than this intriguing example being a direct tulwar form, in my opinion it reflects a combining of both elements of Mughal weapons and the subtle but elegant rococo decoration taken from Regency Period silverwork.

It would seem logical that this sword would have been likely to have been involved in the diplomatic settings of the durbar type assemblies in India in the years after Seringapatam (1799) as the British organized the administration of the British Raj in the princely states of the Mughal Empire.

With high grade weapons like this, wootz blade, silver, filagree etc. they are likely to have been kept in safe locations and specifically cared for, so it is diffficult to assess age. The actual wording in the cartouches are copied it seems from the well known Assad Allah trade blade motif, so are probably non specific as far as useful as far as further identification.

These are simply my opinions and as always I look forward to observations of others here, especially in seeing other high quality examples like this which may have such potential diplomatic orientation.

[Gonzoadler]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Robin thank you so much for the very kind words which mean a lot. I do tend to get very involved with researching, and coincidentally have recently been studying English silver hilt swords and the artisans producing them in what is termed the Regency Period (late George III and George IV).

These were important times in the British Raj in India with the fall of Tipu Sultan in 1799 ending the 4th Anglo Mysore war, and the advent of British power, occupation and diplomacy in administrating India.

Rather than this intriguing example being a direct tulwar form, in my opinion it reflects a combining of both elements of Mughal weapons and the subtle but elegant rococo decoration taken from Regency Period silverwork.

It would seem logical that this sword would have been likely to have been involved in the diplomatic settings of the durbar type assemblies in India in the years after Seringapatam (1799) as the British organized the administration of the British Raj in the princely states of the Mughal Empire.

With high grade weapons like this, wootz blade, silver, filagree etc. they are likely to have been kept in safe locations and specifically cared for, so it is diffficult to assess age. The actual wording in the cartouches are copied it seems from the well known Assad Allah trade blade motif, so are probably non specific as far as useful as far as further identification.

These are simply my opinions and as always I look forward to observations of others here, especially in seeing other high quality examples like this which may have such potential diplomatic orientation.

Thanks again for that interesting information.
Nearly three years ago I postet a distantly similar hanger from my collection. It has an interesting silver hilt, too, but is also a bit mysterious and maybe not helpful.
Here is that piece:

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=28242

[Jim McDougall]

Thank you for linking this, and the guys had some great observations on that as well, indeed most unusual as it appears remarkably in the same styling loosely as this sword. In the 18th century, there was profound interest in 'oriental style' in Europe, especially 'chinasorie' decoration particularly in smallswords and court swords, The use of shakudo and other alloyed material was used in many of the hilts and scabbards.

As I mentioned, even the swordsmiths such as Thomas Gill provided high end blades for sumptuous hilts such as Chinese jian which were highly decorated in precious metal.

These kinds of remarkable 'oriental' (in those days India was included with the Middle East and the Orient in that description) hilts and mounts were often paired with high end blades with their own venerable character.
While these kinds of weapons are usually of course 'one off' and privately commissioned, it is of course hard to assess based on comparisons available in references. Most court and presentation arms are only referenced in highly esoteric and specialized material.

You are very fortunate to have acquired these two weapons which seem to have remarkably similar character in the combined interpretations of styling and silver reflecting traditional elements and the potential for diplomatic associations of these times.

[serdar]

That blade profile and AA acid markings are indian, cartuches are too big and over dimensioned, and engraved by acid, indian blade 19 century maybe end of 18.

Filigree is not at all real filigree work with wire but a cast piece that is clearly visible from photos, real goldsmith filigree is braided silver wire, there is no wire on this piece, it is cast in a mould from uniform metal, and definetly it is not a real filigree work. And that cape and handle pieces doesent seem old indian work.

It should be examined in hands, but to me that doesent look older than 20 century, second half of 20.century (handle and scabbard).

It isnt similar to non of old tulwars or indian swords i have examined, but that fake filigree casting i have seen on a few indian tulwars and pulwars from 20 century.

[Gonzoadler]

Hello Serdar,

That blade profile and AA acid markings are indian, cartuches are too big and over dimensioned, and engraved by acid, indian blade 19 century maybe end of 18.

Possibly you are right, but you can find many Assadullah-blades with etched cartouches in the internet and I doubt that they are all Indian. Also there is a long tradition of etching steel in Persia. So I would be carefully to argue with that against a Persian origin.

Filigree is not at all real filigree work with wire but a cast piece that is clearly visible from photos, real goldsmith filigree is braided silver wire, there is no wire on this piece, it is cast in a mould from uniform metal, and definetly it is not a real filigree work. And that cape and handle pieces doesent seem old indian work.

I never wrote that it is filigree, as I stated in my opening post the fittings are pierced, which is clearly visible. I don't see an attempt to imitate silver filigree.

Before I posted the sword here, I looked in the internet for similar decorations on old or modern Indian swords but didn't found one, not pierced and not in filigree. That the handle is not typically Indian is very clear, too. So of course the whole sword is no traditional Indian work at all. It seems highly influenced by European and Persian style, which causes my questions about the purpose and the origin.

It should be examined in hands, but to me that doesent look older than 20 century, second half of 20.century (handle and scabbard).

It isnt similar to non of old tulwars or indian swords i have examined, but that fake filigree casting i have seen on a few indian tulwars and pulwars from 20 century.

Can you show similar silverwork from that time? Or generally fake Indian weapons which have this "fake filigree" (which isn't that, in my opinion) or other similar features like the shown sword?

Kind regards
Robin

[Jim McDougall]

It is really a hard call, it is a well known practice to have more modern interpretations of old sword forms, or examples done 'in the manner of' so and so, paired with genuine old blades. While it is of course tempting to presume that this was done to preserve a heirloom blade, trophy, or one that is traditionally or historically significant ....the 'elephant in the room' is of course that modern artisans do this deceptively.
Naturally, this is quite common, but there are typically ways the experts can tell......unfortunately I am no 'expert' so cannot declare one way or another.

My purpose in posting was to illustrate possible scenarios in which such a sword might be fashioned and for what purpose.

I will point out that Persian culture, thus weapons and items are typically profoundly represented in that of Mughal India. As I earlier noted, the popular European rococo styling is incorporated into the elements of Indian and Persian decoration, as would have been notable in the period I noted, first half 19th, possibly slightly later.

The wootz (watered steel) blade would be hard to consider modern, though I know that modern artisans so produce artificial examples on knives. With the pictogram cartouche of the lion and sun, which became the Qajar dynastic crest in early 19th c. (Pinchot, 2002, note 42), these cartouches along with bold Islamic script in panels and cartouches, these appeared on the ubiquitous Persian trade blades of mid-late 18th into early 19th c.

These Persian trade blades were popular through trade channels from Arabia, and most regions under Ottoman suzerainty, through India (on tulwars), Malaysia, most of the Middle East and even the Caucasus. Therefore, these blades are not 'Indian' , but widely diffused Persian trade blades.

These trade blades using a pictograph rather than signature of the famed Assad Allah of Isfahan of late 16th into early 17th c. are using his name simply as a mark of quality and commemoration.

While of course modern reproductions of the swords of India and others are made, this kind of quality seems far beyond examples of those regularly seen. I did once have a nicely mounted Polish karabela with silver mounts (but simpler) which 'by the numbers' looked right, and the blade was notably a heavy 17th century tulwar blade with inscription in Urdu and a katar stamp.
Impressive, with old blade.

[Tim Simmons]

It is a splendid item with beautiful silver work but I am still feeling the it is 20th century and possibly not the first quarter however undeniably lovely.

[Gonzoadler]

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

It is a splendid item with beautiful silver work but I am still feeling the it is 20th century and possibly not the first quarter however undeniably lovely.

I can understand your feeling. It seems possible to me, that the fittings as old as the blade (ca. 1800) but my first feeling would be a later date of production, too. Maybe later british colonial era (ca. 1900).

[Norman McCormick]

Hi,
For comparison of styles here is my one and only example of a Persian blade complete with the much copied Assad Allah cartouche. The small cartouche, I am told, reads 'O fulfiller of needs'.
Regards,
Norman.

[Norman McCormick]

Hi,
The scabbard drag on the item in question is a nod to the scabbard drags on British military swords. This Afghan sword is a local attempt to copy British style swords and scabbards. From my enquiries these modifications were done to existing swords and scabbards in the later 19thC when local Afghans were recruited for service with the British colonial forces. The similarity of the drags is obvious. I suspect the scabbard in question if not the complete sword is at the earliest late 19thC although I hate to say I'm with some others in that sometime in the 20thC seems more likely but I would like to be wrong.
Regards,
Norman.

[Sajen]

Like I said before, I know next to nothing about Persian and Indian blades. But here some observations:

a. The suspension rings show wear

b. The hilt has dents

c. The top scabbard shape is compressed

[Jim McDougall]

Some very interesting observations, especially on the apparent wear on some elements, which of course suggest age. As always, and as with the blades, it is possible older components used.

Robin brought up a curious dagger in his collection several years ago which is actually more like a dirk (14" blade) and the blade appears European from an old hanger. It has a clipped point, and familiar sickle marks, both suggesting 18th century Eastern European blade, likely shortened.

The mounts with hilt and scabbard fittings en suite in silver against the dramatic black material contrasting. .....and as he mentioned in that post the similarity to the Nepalese 'kothimora' kukri's. These silver mounted examples against colors of choice (often regimental) seem to favor the black which shows off the silver well.
These are more a presentation type weapon, typically to officers retiring or other significant circumstances.

What is remarkable is the style of craftmanship, and the gestalt which seems to have certain degree of similiarity. While this styling seems compellingly like the kothimora, could it be that the artisans producing these in the years of the British Raj (until 1947) might have created these kinds of weapons for broader scope of presentation type situations?

[francantolin]

Excuse the question,
did you test the silver quality on the hilt ?
Seems too shiny / nickel-white metal alloy

[Gonzoadler]

Originally Posted by francantolin

Excuse the question,
did you test the silver quality on the hilt ?
Seems too shiny / nickel-white metal alloy

It is that shiny because I polished it. Normally I don't do that with old pieces, but the patination wasn't pretty.

[Gonzoadler]

Some further pictures for better estimation of the age. At first the wood of the scabbard, which doesn't look recent:

[Gonzoadler]

At next the suspension bands. They show traces of wear. Of course not exessive, but I don't think that such a saber was worn every day by the owner:

[Gonzoadler]

The "filling" of the handle. It is the same you can find by old Tulwars, something like natural resin and paste which has a stone-like texture. It doesn't look very recent, too:

[Gonzoadler]

At last the pierced silver fittings. The ornaments were likely embossed with a tool and refinished by hand. To cut that fine decoration completly by hand would be very exessive work, so it not surprising that it was made in a more simple way. However, that may speak against a product far before 1900.