Tawdry Tulwar.

[katana]

Hi Norman,
Robert Mole (Birmingham) produced a number of Tulwars to directly supply some Indian Regiments. However, the examples I can find do not have the same hilt. I believe several other swordsmiths also did the same....but cannot find the info.

The reason I suggested British manufacture was because of the '4' on the hilt ....I originally thought this could be a 'casting' number ie the 'mould' number. However , on relection the '4' seems to have been stamped and not 'cast'.......which would change the situation...somewhat .

The obscured markings on the blade....do they look like a series of dots which may or may not appear to be smallish letters /numbers/ symbols....

It is a shame about the blade.....it is possible to remove the hilt......heat will loosen the resin and allow you to remove the blade.....that way you could grind out the majority of the deep scores ( little and often to prevent too much heat build up) and then resort to emery paper / 'wet and dry' ....gradually using finer grades.

Kind Regards David