Katar

Marc M. · 17th June 2024, 02:58 PM

This is the first ethnographic weapon I ever bought. I saw it at an acquaintance's house and was fascinated by this weapon unknown to me, we are talking 30/35 years ago. Bought this Katar at a fair for antique weapons a little later. No idea if it was a good specimen but I was immediately sold. Oal 41.5 cm. At the tip there is a texture to be seen, wootz maybe. I have made some damascus steel in the past but I have no experience with wootz. Bought in this condition, no idea if it's worth etching or leaving it like this. Would love your comments.

Best regards
Marc

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Iain · 20th June 2024, 09:51 AM

Hi Marc, while I am not directly a collector of Indian arms I have had the privilege of handing a few pieces over the years and a decent mount of wootz. From the photographs and the lamination seen at the tip of this katar, it seems to be more likely a pattern welded piece. I find the current patina quite beautiful and it seems to have decent age as well.

Certainly a better first purchase than I think many of us have made!

Marc M. · 20th June 2024, 02:30 PM

Hi Ian

Thanks for your response, I am still satisfied with my first purchase.The pattern is slightly visible in a few places on the blade but always the wavy pattern . The patina/rust is indeed quite attractive so I will leave it as is.

Best regards
Marc

Jens Nordlunde · 21st June 2024, 05:25 PM

Hi Marc,

I have not posted for several recons, but I will answer your question as best I can.
I think it is Close to Himalaya, very close, and from the 18th century. I hope this will help you further.

Jens

Jim McDougall · 21st June 2024, 06:33 PM

This is totally amazing!!! JENS! you have been DEEPLY missed!

Marc, you have stirred the sleeping giant of katars! and this description is remarkable, showing you have acquired, and been holding, a fascinating example of one of these distinct weapons from regions not often associated with them.

Jens, Im so glad to see you here

kai · 22nd June 2024, 10:13 PM

Welcome back, Jens!

Marc M. · 23rd June 2024, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jens Nordlunde

Hi Marc,

I have not posted for several recons, but I will answer your question as best I can.
I think it is Close to Himalaya, very close, and from the 18th century. I hope this will help you further.

Jens

Hi Jens

Thanks for your response, it's better than I thought.
And you got Jim excited with this response.
Apparently a pretty good first purchase,.

Best regards
Marc

Jens Nordlunde · 23rd June 2024, 04:04 PM

Hi Marc,

Please send me a PM and I will answer your questions. I also have a question to you.

Kind regards
Jens

17th June 2024, 02:58 PM	#1
Marc M. Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Belgium Posts: 158	Katar This is the first ethnographic weapon I ever bought. I saw it at an acquaintance's house and was fascinated by this weapon unknown to me, we are talking 30/35 years ago. Bought this Katar at a fair for antique weapons a little later. No idea if it was a good specimen but I was immediately sold. Oal 41.5 cm. At the tip there is a texture to be seen, wootz maybe. I have made some damascus steel in the past but I have no experience with wootz. Bought in this condition, no idea if it's worth etching or leaving it like this. Would love your comments. Best regards Marc Translated with DeepL.com (free version) Attached Images

20th June 2024, 09:51 AM	#2
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,693	Hi Marc, while I am not directly a collector of Indian arms I have had the privilege of handing a few pieces over the years and a decent mount of wootz. From the photographs and the lamination seen at the tip of this katar, it seems to be more likely a pattern welded piece. I find the current patina quite beautiful and it seems to have decent age as well. Certainly a better first purchase than I think many of us have made!

20th June 2024, 02:30 PM	#3
Marc M. Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Belgium Posts: 158	Hi Ian Thanks for your response, I am still satisfied with my first purchase.The pattern is slightly visible in a few places on the blade but always the wavy pattern . The patina/rust is indeed quite attractive so I will leave it as is. Best regards Marc

21st June 2024, 05:25 PM	#4
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	Hi Marc, I have not posted for several recons, but I will answer your question as best I can. I think it is Close to Himalaya, very close, and from the 18th century. I hope this will help you further. Jens

21st June 2024, 06:33 PM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,940	This is totally amazing!!! JENS! you have been DEEPLY missed! Marc, you have stirred the sleeping giant of katars! and this description is remarkable, showing you have acquired, and been holding, a fascinating example of one of these distinct weapons from regions not often associated with them. Jens, Im so glad to see you here

22nd June 2024, 10:13 PM	#6
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,254	Welcome back, Jens!

23rd June 2024, 04:04 PM	#8
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	Hi Marc, Please send me a PM and I will answer your questions. I also have a question to you. Kind regards Jens