A VERY Strange Sword: What is it and where is it from??!!

Stan S. · 18th December 2011, 12:44 AM

I am almost positive this is a Nepalese ram dao but I am thrown off by what looks like Islamic decoration (crescent moons and sex-pointed starts). A very impressive looking sword by the way. What are the dimensions?

Dmitry · 18th December 2011, 12:51 AM

This is totally not my forte, but the length of the grip, along with the unusual blade termination and the heft point towards an executioner's tool. The bolster between the hilt and the blade is Ottoman in style, yatagan-like.

ariel · 18th December 2011, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stan S.

sex-pointed starts

Freudian slip? :-) :-)

Stan S. · 18th December 2011, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ariel

Freudian slip? :-) :-)

Yes, LOL

CharlesS · 28th December 2011, 01:24 PM

I am getting the impression that most are as perplexed by this one as I am!

Stan S. · 28th December 2011, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

I am getting the impression that most are as perplexed by this one as I am!

Its a Ram Dao or something very similar - it has to be! Perhaps a sacrificial sword from elsewhere in India? This still does not explain islamic features but that would be the best guess

Also, I have in my collection a sword showing identical damascus pattern on the blade, which is undoubtely of Indian manufacture, and while the blade is of a distinctly different shape (spatulate), it may not be too far fetched if they both originate from the same locale.

A.alnakkas · 28th December 2011, 04:40 PM

Hello,

The hilt is defintely turkish in style. It could be a state gift ram dao that got rehilted in a turkish style?:P just guessing hehe

RSWORD · 28th December 2011, 10:20 PM

When thinking about Ottoman influences in Indian arms one might look at the Coorgi(sp?) as a possibility. The Ottomans had extensive involvement there from the 16th century onward. Matter of fact, years ago I had a very nice Ayda Katti that had a rather Turkish crescent moon on the handle. Matter of fact, when you look at the Ayda Katti it also has a somewhat downturned blade like this example. I believe many of the Ayda Katti also have checkered grips. Maybe this is a Coorg sword?

18th December 2011, 12:44 AM	#1
Stan S. Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Brooklyn, NY USA Posts: 227	I am almost positive this is a Nepalese ram dao but I am thrown off by what looks like Islamic decoration (crescent moons and sex-pointed starts). A very impressive looking sword by the way. What are the dimensions?

18th December 2011, 12:51 AM	#2
Dmitry Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 607	This is totally not my forte, but the length of the grip, along with the unusual blade termination and the heft point towards an executioner's tool. The bolster between the hilt and the blade is Ottoman in style, yatagan-like.

28th December 2011, 01:24 PM	#5
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	I am getting the impression that most are as perplexed by this one as I am!

28th December 2011, 04:40 PM	#7
A.alnakkas Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Kuwait Posts: 1,340	Hello, The hilt is defintely turkish in style. It could be a state gift ram dao that got rehilted in a turkish style?:P just guessing hehe

28th December 2011, 10:20 PM	#8
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,087	When thinking about Ottoman influences in Indian arms one might look at the Coorgi(sp?) as a possibility. The Ottomans had extensive involvement there from the 16th century onward. Matter of fact, years ago I had a very nice Ayda Katti that had a rather Turkish crescent moon on the handle. Matter of fact, when you look at the Ayda Katti it also has a somewhat downturned blade like this example. I believe many of the Ayda Katti also have checkered grips. Maybe this is a Coorg sword?