Ram's head khanjar for comment

[estcrh]

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

Of course it is originally cast. Almost all metallic hilts are first cast in a raw shape, then chiseled to give them the final detailed shape.

They are definitely not chiseled directly from a raw iron ingot.

Interesting, I did not give the process much thought, but if this was the case there really should be more examples.

[Jens Nordlunde]

Could be that it was made in cire-perdy (or however it is spelled). In that case there would likely only be one example.

[mariusgmioc]

Originally Posted by Jens Nordlunde

Could be that it was made in cire-perdy (or however it is spelled). In that case there would likely only be one example.

Cire-perdue (lost-wax) process maybe if it were bronze but almost certainly not iron.

On second thoughts, I doubt that the horns can be cast even in bronze with the wax process.

[Battara]

Horns can be done in lost wax, but if iron - crazy difficult and in parts.

[estcrh]

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

Cire-perdue (lost-wax) process maybe if it were bronze but almost certainly not iron.

I think sand casting would be the method for making an iron / steel hilt, lost wax is good for metals with a low melting point. With sand casting I do not think you would get as much detail as you would with lost wax.

[mariusgmioc]

Originally Posted by estcrh

I think sand casting would be the method for making an iron / steel hilt, lost wax is good for metals with a low melting point. With sand casting I do not think you would get as much detail as you would with lost wax.

Exactly! That's why after casting, the Iron hilts need to be processed to give them the desired finish and detail.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Another rams head

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

More rams...http://suroorasia.blogspot.com/2014/...-oriental.html shows an excellent multiple and is from a very famous author...

[estcrh]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Another rams head ...two in fact... On Jewelery for comparison...

Persian gold.

Beautiful Achaemenid Persian solid gold bracelet, featuring a woven design on the band, with two ram heads mounted on each terminal. Each ram heads are realistically rendered and are decorated with intricate and abstract patterns. Rams in ancient Persia were held in high regard as they were seen as a symbol of virility. These styles of bracelets can be traced back to Persepolis, the capital city of ancient Persia and were usually found in the ancient Royal courts of the city. This particular bracelet was likely a tribute to the King. Weight: 3.5 oz.

[estcrh]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

More rams...http://suroorasia.blogspot.com/2014/...-oriental.html shows an excellent multiple and is from a very famous author...

Enamelled Dagger National Museum, New Delhi (India)
Late 17th Century
Place of Origin: Rajasthan, Rajput
Materials: Steel
Dimensions: L: 34.9 cm.


The ram-shaped hilt of metal is profusely encrusted with rubies, emeralds and other jewels. The sheath of metal is delicately perforated with images of birds, animals and creeper designs.