Tulwar Hilt Types

[Rick]

This might explain the (formerly) fully silver clad handle on my kirach .
Thanks Ariel .

[sabertasche]

Hi all, I'm here in awe of all the wonderful discussion re talwar hilt forms. Forgive me for being absent, the usual work stuff has limited my abilities to participate. It will take me some time to digest all the info so many of you have contributed.

Jens, you asked if the pommel edge was roped and yes it is although it is not raised as if it was a separately applied decoration.

The flat pommel disked sword is very fine crystaline wooze, which I plan to lightly clean. It appears that based on Jen's observations it may be Sikh but I believe the key is in understanding the decorative components in context with the hilt form. This will take a few more books and experience in Indian art motifs. Of the bibliography that Jim mentioned, I only have #s 1 and 4. Perhaps I should invest in a book rather than blade?

I have no history on any of my talwars, #1 was bought because out of the 50-100 talwars to could choose from, it was the only one with a straight blade and decent scabbard. #2 was bought from the same source because the hilt was nicer than any others. There had to be at least 100 talwars to choose from, all covered in cosmolene, all for about $20.00 each - and we bought....2 I guess at the time I didn't what to get my hands dirty

#3 I paid very, very little for, it truely is a magnificent sword. The blade talks to me, it's quality is amazing especially when compared to the vast majority of blades that you see. If only I could understand what it is trying to tell me.

Cheers,

Greg

[Gavin Nugent]

better late than never, as promised, I will start listing a number of varients I have images of.

One to start.

Gav

[Gavin Nugent]

Some more, others to follow with some discussion when time permits.

Gav

[Iain]

Indian weapons are completely not my area, but I wanted to thank those that posted in this thread as I have found it very informative.

Having only had personal access to "munitions grade" tulwars I've never found them that interesting - perhaps because of the all metal construction and very uniform designs. However the examples posted in this thread - in addition to being beautiful - have really excited my interest to learn more about regional variations and the associated period history. I'm not usually interested in highly decorated or ornate pieces but the second example posted by Gav really strikes me as a wonderful combination of functionality and individualistic design.

Again many thanks to all for a fascinating topic!

[Jens Nordlunde]

Hi ISPN,
Yes there are many very interesting tulwar hilts you only have to find them, and 'encode' them.

[Gavin Nugent]

Another beauty Jens, what I find most interesting is the manufacture, it seems from close examination there are about 8 parts both forged and braised together to create these hilts.
One could imagine picking and choosing the styles you want in a hilt and having it made for you and then according to budget having it embellished in copper, silver and golds.

Does anyone have documents pertaining to the manufacture of the hilts? I'd love to read it.

Gav

[Jens Nordlunde]

Ariel,
You are a very patient man, waiting so long time for an answer - sorry.
The age of you copper hilt is, to my opinion, 17th to early 18th century.
Sorry that you had to wait so long for the answer.
Jens

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Salaams All ~ Someone mentioned a classic thread on Tulvars and looking back through the Forum library I think the basis for that is here... and to give this one a bump... A great thread !

I have a humble Tulvar ... or two... the last picture shows Ethiopian blades(German) mounted on Tulvar hilts.

I hope Jens can also steer us on this one ...

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Jens Nordlunde]

Yes it is an interesting thread, but let me round it up with this.
Many millions of hilts were made over centuries - how many have we left?
Most of the hilts were very plane, while others were nicely made and also nicely decorated.
How many of the very plane hilts has survived? Some, but not many, or if they have, they are late - the older ones would have been melted down to make new hilts/blades.
New hilts are made, and made to look old, either by chemicals or but burrying them in cow dung. Some even have the original, thin, decoration removed, and a new gold koftgari decoration applied - all very nice, but not for a collector.
Many buys from pictures only, and cant see through this - what a pity.
Jens
PS. Here is a better picture of the tulwar hilt Ibrahiim showed - I hope it is all right that I lightened it a bit?

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Jens Nordlunde

Yes it is an interesting thread, but let me round it up with this.
Many millions of hilts were made over centuries - how many have we left?
Most of the hilts were very plane, while others were nicely made and also nicely decorated.
How many of the very plane hilts has survived? Some, but not many, or if they have, they are late - the older ones would have been melted down to make new hilts/blades.
New hilts are made, and made to look old, either by chemicals or but burrying them in cow dung. Some even have the original, thin, decoration removed, and a new gold koftgari decoration applied - all very nice, but not for a collector.
Many buys from pictures only, and cant see through this - what a pity.
Jens
PS. Here is a better picture of the tulwar hilt Ibrahiim showed - I hope it is all right that I lightened it a bit?

Salaams Jens Nordlunde~ Thank you very much for lightening the picture ...Much obliged...Tussen Takk skall du har..

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Salaams all Note to Forum "Then suddenly it started raining Tulvars" Here are a few I picked up this week. The coin is a silver rupee presumably added relatively recently .. There are two groups of dots on the blade; the first group of 4 sets of 3 set out in a rectangle and the second set of 3 spaced out dots forming a triangle to the right of shot. Feel free to comment please.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Salaams ~and another....