Crazy Thing

Andrew · 7th May 2006, 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Bowditch

I'd be happy to take the heat off you, Andrew. Just send that spear on up to me.

You wouldn't like it, Mark. It's really old and not very shiny.

Michael Blalock · 18th May 2006, 01:09 AM

This sword came today. I don't see any markings. I think a see a pattern in the steel but I could be imagining things. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to clean it up?

ariel · 18th May 2006, 06:25 AM

WD-40 and Brillo pads?

M.carter · 18th May 2006, 10:39 AM

I saw this one, and was waiting until the auction would end so that I would post it here. This is a really strange kattara I must say, I would like to know more about these, because with that hilt, it looks really medieval arab to me.

I dont think the blade is persian, and without any fullers, I do not assume European either, most likely Omani.

Im getting increasingly fascinated with your collection Mike, it contains some very rare pieces, this one, including those Yemeni swords you have from before.

As Ariel said, some soak it in WD-40, then scrub with some brillo pads. Good luck!

Michael Blalock · 18th May 2006, 08:57 PM

Once I clean it I will post pictures. The scabbard was obviously never used for this sword. It's much to small. There are definately irregularities in the steel that indicate a primitive level of forging. The jambiya hilt that was attached with a screw also had silver buttons glued to the top of the screw. Does anyone need a jambiya handle that looks like it was used as a dog's chew toy?

M.carter · 18th May 2006, 09:04 PM

I was wondering, if there was any possibilty that Jambiya style hilts were actually used on these swords, they certainly do 'fit', and the original hilt on that one looks like iron to me. I wouldnt want to be holding an iron hilt, in a long hot day.

ariel · 18th May 2006, 10:12 PM

I was wondering what you are going to do with the handle, too...
The jambiya one is out of the question, I would take it off. Check Elgood's book on proper handle construction.
Question to everybody: we talked about the limits of restauration; would you go as far as, say, fashioning a new iron segment with a pommel, attaching it to the broken end and covering the whole handle with silver (that was how they looked originally) or, for the economy sake, wrapping it with a leather thong (simpler and later version of the handle)?

18th May 2006, 01:09 AM	#2
Michael Blalock Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: dc Posts: 271	This sword came today. I don't see any markings. I think a see a pattern in the steel but I could be imagining things. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to clean it up?

18th May 2006, 06:25 AM	#3
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	WD-40 and Brillo pads?

18th May 2006, 10:39 AM	#4
M.carter Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 176	I saw this one, and was waiting until the auction would end so that I would post it here. This is a really strange kattara I must say, I would like to know more about these, because with that hilt, it looks really medieval arab to me. I dont think the blade is persian, and without any fullers, I do not assume European either, most likely Omani. Im getting increasingly fascinated with your collection Mike, it contains some very rare pieces, this one, including those Yemeni swords you have from before. As Ariel said, some soak it in WD-40, then scrub with some brillo pads. Good luck!

18th May 2006, 08:57 PM	#5
Michael Blalock Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: dc Posts: 271	Once I clean it I will post pictures. The scabbard was obviously never used for this sword. It's much to small. There are definately irregularities in the steel that indicate a primitive level of forging. The jambiya hilt that was attached with a screw also had silver buttons glued to the top of the screw. Does anyone need a jambiya handle that looks like it was used as a dog's chew toy?

18th May 2006, 09:04 PM	#6
M.carter Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 176	I was wondering, if there was any possibilty that Jambiya style hilts were actually used on these swords, they certainly do 'fit', and the original hilt on that one looks like iron to me. I wouldnt want to be holding an iron hilt, in a long hot day.

18th May 2006, 10:12 PM	#7
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	I was wondering what you are going to do with the handle, too... The jambiya one is out of the question, I would take it off. Check Elgood's book on proper handle construction. Question to everybody: we talked about the limits of restauration; would you go as far as, say, fashioning a new iron segment with a pommel, attaching it to the broken end and covering the whole handle with silver (that was how they looked originally) or, for the economy sake, wrapping it with a leather thong (simpler and later version of the handle)?