South Indian Sword

Bill M · 14th September 2006, 02:26 AM

OAL - 29" supposed to be 17th - 18th century South Indian sword.

Would like opinions and comments.

Rick · 14th September 2006, 02:33 AM

No offense Bill , but that sword for some reason doesn't look 300 + yrs old .

Bill M · 14th September 2006, 02:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

No offense Bill , but that sword for some reason doesn't look 300 + yrs old .

Oops. It is supposed to be 18th century. Not 17th / 18th.

It is is very good shape for anything approximating its stated age.

I don't know how to really judge these things, but if you look on page 322 of Anthony Tirri's book he calls it a "Nair fighting sword -- 18th century".

I was going back to edit my post and add the part about Tirri when Rick answered.

I would think that "Nair" and "fighting sword" are in conflict if the Nair is another way to spell Newyar / temple sword that was used in religious rituals.

Could Nair mean a subcult? Another group?

I don't know anything more about it and would appreciate some more comments.

David · 14th September 2006, 03:03 AM

Maybe the Mods should combine your thread with Andy's.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=3164
Anyway, i agree with Rick, looks more 19thC to me.....but who cares!

That's freakin' beautiful Bill! Andy calls his a "flambouyant" which i must admit was not what i thought that word meant in connection with swords. Nice piece regardless.

Ian · 14th September 2006, 01:56 PM

Bill:

Could you tell us more about the materials in this sword.

There are features here that are new to me for a S. Indian flamboyant sword. I've not seen any with such a single broad fuller and such a heavily recurved blade. Also, the hilt seems odd in its construction, especially the handle and arrangement of the "plates" at the end. Do they jingle when the sword is shaken?

Perhaps Artzi could shed some more light on this style. There are some discordant features that make me think it might be a 19th C. version of an earlier sword.

In any case it is a beautiful sword.

Regards,

Ian.

P.S. "Nair" is the name given to Hindus living in SW India along the Malabar Coast in what are now the states of Karnataka and Kerala.

Bill M · 14th September 2006, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

Bill:

Could you tell us more about the materials in this sword.

There are features here that are new to me for a S. Indian flamboyant sword. I've not seen any with such a single broad fuller and such a heavily recurved blade. Also, the hilt seems odd in its construction, especially the handle and arrangement of the "plates" at the end. Do they jingle when the sword is shaken?

Perhaps Artzi could shed some more light on this style. There are some discordant features that make me think it might be a 19th C. version of an earlier sword.

In any case it is a beautiful sword.

Regards,

Ian.

P.S. "Nair" is the name given to Hindus living in SW India along the Malabar Coast in what are now the states of Karnataka and Kerala.

Malabar is an area where the Theyyam live. I have a great interest in them! Is the Nair like the Newar or Newyar? Now we are getting someplace.

I will send this link to Artzi and see what light he can shed on it.

14th September 2006, 02:26 AM	#1
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	South Indian Sword OAL - 29" supposed to be 17th - 18th century South Indian sword. Would like opinions and comments. Attached Images

14th September 2006, 01:56 PM	#5
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,200	Perhaps not so old ... Bill: Could you tell us more about the materials in this sword. There are features here that are new to me for a S. Indian flamboyant sword. I've not seen any with such a single broad fuller and such a heavily recurved blade. Also, the hilt seems odd in its construction, especially the handle and arrangement of the "plates" at the end. Do they jingle when the sword is shaken? Perhaps Artzi could shed some more light on this style. There are some discordant features that make me think it might be a 19th C. version of an earlier sword. In any case it is a beautiful sword. Regards, Ian. P.S. "Nair" is the name given to Hindus living in SW India along the Malabar Coast in what are now the states of Karnataka and Kerala.

14th September 2006, 02:33 AM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,293	No offense Bill , but that sword for some reason doesn't look 300 + yrs old .

14th September 2006, 03:03 AM	#4
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,124	Maybe the Mods should combine your thread with Andy's. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=3164 Anyway, i agree with Rick, looks more 19thC to me.....but who cares! That's freakin' beautiful Bill! Andy calls his a "flambouyant" which i must admit was not what i thought that word meant in connection with swords. Nice piece regardless.