Very Old Firangi with Rapier blade in need of restoration.

[katana]

Very please to have added this Firangi .

The whole sword is quite rusty, and the pommel 'dome' and 'but-spike' is missing. The blade is 40" (100cms) long and centrally fullered with the Khanda styled hilt with guard.
I would like to get the pommel end restored with replacement parts.

I know that a number of 17thC Rapier blades were used in these swords ..... and I couldn't resist not buying it (It's a 'boyhood' thing...... Errol Flynn and all that )

I wondered what others thought.....


Regards David

[Jim McDougall]

Very, very nice David!!!!
But I would beg you, please show respect for this old warrior! If I was the lucky one owning this piece of history, I would stabilize it (just clean up any active rust with oil), and leave it intact. Its very unusual to see these mounted with rapier blades and especially that appear homogenous. I know that the Mahrattas would often obtain rapier blades from the Portuguese, but typically see the broadsword blades mounted in these khanda hilts.

Just my opinion....but I love these rusty old swords for thier history, and care little for show There's nothing like reading on a historical period and place and holding one of these, as if its saying "..I know...I was there!!!"

And I well understand the 'Errol Flynn' thing.....its pretty much his fault I got caught up in the 'swords' thing. I'll never forget my dads immortal words as I pursued fencing in school....."...good Jim...something you can always use!" and grumbled more unintelligibly as he stalked off.

Envious regards,
Jim

[katana]

Hi Jim,
thank you very much for your reply, I am very pleased

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Just my opinion....but I love these rusty old swords for thier history, and care little for show There's nothing like reading on a historical period and place and holding one of these, as if its saying "..I know...I was there!!!" Jim

...I cannot agree more

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

And I well understand the 'Errol Flynn' thing.....its pretty much his fault I got caught up in the 'swords' thing. I'll never forget my dads immortal words as I pursued fencing in school....."...good Jim...something you can always use!" and grumbled more unintelligibly as he stalked off.

Envious regards,
Jim

Kind Regards David

[Battara]

Yeah, at this point, I also agree that an attempt at restoration would damage it. Active rust is the only living threat now.......

[fernando]

Hi David,
I understand you are only allowed to touch it ... for taking better pictures
That's a chest full of history. Congratulations.
If ever you get fed up of having it ... just tell
Fernando

[katana]

Thank you Battara for your opinion

Originally Posted by fernando

That's a chest full of history. Congratulations.
If ever you get fed up of having it ... just tell
Fernando

Hi Fernando ,
if the blade ever tells me it's 'homesick' for Portugal ..... you'll be the first to know ..... but I'll warn you now... I'll probably just 'gag' it and ignore it's pleading

Originally Posted by freebooter

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Gav

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Would anyone know how 17thC Rapier blades were marked ?
When searching 'Firangi' I found an example that was cited as Moghul, the blade was the 'broadsword' type but the hilt had similar features including the 'line' detail on the knuckle guard. Could this be Moghul ?

I am also interested in how this sword would have been used. Do you think the sword technique would be similar to European Rapier use? I wonder whether the wide pommel would limit the wrist action/movement often used to control a rapier. Would a 'main gauche' or small buckler be used in tandem with this sword ?

Regards David

[Gavin Nugent]

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Gav