Afghan military sword

kronckew · 8th April 2023, 11:03 AM

Just recently acquired this sword at a UK Auction. No dimensions at the moment.
It appears to have a T-section spine for most of the slightly curved blade, much like a std. Khyber knife. The blade is double-edged from the point for a significant distance, appears to have a short raised yelman... The steel grip appears to have white scales between the rusted pommel and bolster sections. Possibly bone or other hard animal material. Scabbard sadly lacking.

More details, any markings, and measurements to follow on arrival...
Any comments welcome with thanks...

Rick · 8th April 2023, 06:09 PM

The blade form is very remiscent of the double fullered sabre blade that is often seen on many of these military swords. Will you restore it Wayne?

kronckew · 11th April 2023, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

The blade form is very remiscent of the double fullered sabre blade that is often seen on many of these military swords. Will you restore it Wayne?

Yes, have some white camel bone knife scales on order to replace the apparently missing pieces. Sword is due in a couple days, I'll know more then. Hope the unseen side is OK. if not i'll restore it as well. Gives me something to do.

kronckew · 13th April 2023, 02:09 PM

The sword arrived this morning, as expected, the 3-section bone grip on both sides have sections front and back missing, retaining the pinned central section. Bone scales I ordered should arrive today/tomorrow.

The sword itself is in excellent shape, the blade is very slightly curved, the height of the chord arc is about a 1/4 in. Blade is patinated but no rust, except some light rust where the scale parts are missing. Blade is 26.25 in. long, 1 7/16 in. wide at the guard, 2 1/4 in. ricasso, pronounced 3/8 in. wide T-spine, elevated 8 in. yelman, very sharp, polished (and patinated) edge, yelman as well. Shallow 1/4 in. wide, fuller under the T-spine.

Photos of script marking on guard strap and brass ricasso inlay attached. The area where the guard/blade join does NOT have a filleted weld, it's just a less patinated bit, and is flat, looks like there may have been a leather or felt washer there once.

Will post more photos as the grip gets its new clothes.

Rick · 13th April 2023, 05:16 PM

Interesting Wayne. Hopefully the script will be translated by one of our members.
Here is my example, it has the Blue Mosque stamp on the blade and the steel has a wonderful ring when tapped. The handle has been repaired on one side.

Turkoman.khan · 19th April 2023, 09:33 PM

Hello, kronckew

Did I understand correctly that there is no stamp on the blade, which is typical for Afghan military swords?

8th April 2023, 11:03 AM	#1
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,190	Afghan military sword Just recently acquired this sword at a UK Auction. No dimensions at the moment. It appears to have a T-section spine for most of the slightly curved blade, much like a std. Khyber knife. The blade is double-edged from the point for a significant distance, appears to have a short raised yelman... The steel grip appears to have white scales between the rusted pommel and bolster sections. Possibly bone or other hard animal material. Scabbard sadly lacking. More details, any markings, and measurements to follow on arrival... Any comments welcome with thanks... Attached Images

13th April 2023, 02:09 PM	#4
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,190	The sword arrived this morning, as expected, the 3-section bone grip on both sides have sections front and back missing, retaining the pinned central section. Bone scales I ordered should arrive today/tomorrow. The sword itself is in excellent shape, the blade is very slightly curved, the height of the chord arc is about a 1/4 in. Blade is patinated but no rust, except some light rust where the scale parts are missing. Blade is 26.25 in. long, 1 7/16 in. wide at the guard, 2 1/4 in. ricasso, pronounced 3/8 in. wide T-spine, elevated 8 in. yelman, very sharp, polished (and patinated) edge, yelman as well. Shallow 1/4 in. wide, fuller under the T-spine. Photos of script marking on guard strap and brass ricasso inlay attached. The area where the guard/blade join does NOT have a filleted weld, it's just a less patinated bit, and is flat, looks like there may have been a leather or felt washer there once. Will post more photos as the grip gets its new clothes. Attached Images Last edited by kronckew; 13th April 2023 at 02:56 PM.

13th April 2023, 05:16 PM	#5
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,301	Interesting Wayne. Hopefully the script will be translated by one of our members. Here is my example, it has the Blue Mosque stamp on the blade and the steel has a wonderful ring when tapped. The handle has been repaired on one side. Attached Images

8th April 2023, 06:09 PM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,301	The blade form is very remiscent of the double fullered sabre blade that is often seen on many of these military swords. Will you restore it Wayne?

19th April 2023, 09:33 PM	#6
Turkoman.khan Member Join Date: Apr 2023 Posts: 107	Hello, kronckew Did I understand correctly that there is no stamp on the blade, which is typical for Afghan military swords?