Afghan tribal sabre. Tulwar or Shamshir?

Jim McDougall · 20th September 2007, 03:29 PM

Hi Tim,
Thank you for letting us share this acquisition with you. It really is good to sort of 'ride along' as the item arrives and experience the thoughts and sensations of excitement/doubt etc. as you view the actual item. I think this gives readers who may be somewhat new to collecting excellent perspective on what to expect when acquiring weapons purchased without actually handling them in person.

Now that I see the repousse type decoration on the chape, these remind me more of Hyderabad work on some of the weapons such as the 'karabela' hilt shape saifs that are shown in Elgood's "Arms and Armour of Arabia" (I do not recall the page but the swords have several hilt forms and typically have the same repousse on the silver hilt and scabbard throat/mounts en suite.

It is a very good call to note the decorative motif's similarity to that seen on textiles and rugs. Various resources dealing with material culture in particular regions and cultures, such as the rugs and textiles are excellent sources for clues on motif. Just as we have noted the importance often found in nusimatic material to help sometimes with markings on blades, there are also clues found in architectural material, such as is the case in hilt structure on many Indian weapons.

Best regards,
Jim

20th September 2007, 03:29 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,295	Hi Tim, Thank you for letting us share this acquisition with you. It really is good to sort of 'ride along' as the item arrives and experience the thoughts and sensations of excitement/doubt etc. as you view the actual item. I think this gives readers who may be somewhat new to collecting excellent perspective on what to expect when acquiring weapons purchased without actually handling them in person. Now that I see the repousse type decoration on the chape, these remind me more of Hyderabad work on some of the weapons such as the 'karabela' hilt shape saifs that are shown in Elgood's "Arms and Armour of Arabia" (I do not recall the page but the swords have several hilt forms and typically have the same repousse on the silver hilt and scabbard throat/mounts en suite. It is a very good call to note the decorative motif's similarity to that seen on textiles and rugs. Various resources dealing with material culture in particular regions and cultures, such as the rugs and textiles are excellent sources for clues on motif. Just as we have noted the importance often found in nusimatic material to help sometimes with markings on blades, there are also clues found in architectural material, such as is the case in hilt structure on many Indian weapons. Best regards, Jim