A.A. Gholam Jeelan, Sialkot Indian Sword

Will M · 26th February 2016, 07:15 AM

A new addition and would like any info regarding this sword. Well made 30 1/2" blade and wooden leather covered scabbard, not sure if leather grips are original or replacement.

kronckew · 26th February 2016, 08:03 AM

ooh - purdy sabre! love the scabbard too.

leather slab grip scales like that were std. on british 1853 sabres of the crimean war period, tho the blade harks back to the earlier 1796 LC.

Jim McDougall · 26th February 2016, 10:01 PM

Great example of a cavalry sabre of the British Raj, and the native cavalry regiments typically were able to select their favored patterns, and the M1796 sabre blade remained thus favored through the century (I have even seen these produced as late as 1880s and used in India into 1930s). One of these belonged to the late Brigadier Francis Ingall, author of "Last of the Bengal Lancers" who led one of the last mounted cavalry charges on the Khyber plains in the 1930s.

The M1853 cavalry sword was also a select pattern chosen by a number of the units, and this may be one of those, probably end of 19th c. early 20th.
There were also variations of the M1853 produced in India privately for various paramilitary and security forces, one was if I recall Baroda Railway Co. and the maker was Rodwell & Co.
This may parallel this sword as far as period etc.

Interestingly Sialkot was a key administrative region in the Northwest Frontier connected with Punjab, thus perhaps military connection to Sikh units, however in this case there should be the usual acceptance stamps.
Regarding the private use, there was also a railway company through Sialkot and to Waziristan, definitely one of the more 'volatile' areas of the Raj, so this may be to a levy or force connected in that capacity.

The history of the British Raj in these areas is in my view of the most colorful and exciting history, from which came the great literature such as Kipling, "King of the Khyber Rifles", " and others!

Will M · 27th February 2016, 01:38 AM

Thanks Jim and you are correct no military markings. Gives me a point to start looking at railway etc.

Jim McDougall · 27th February 2016, 09:14 PM

Will,
Thank you for responding to my post.
Please keep us posted on your research, interesting sabre!!

26th February 2016, 07:15 AM	#1
Will M Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In the wee woods north of Napanee Ontario Posts: 391	A.A. Gholam Jeelan, Sialkot Indian Sword A new addition and would like any info regarding this sword. Well made 30 1/2" blade and wooden leather covered scabbard, not sure if leather grips are original or replacement. Attached Images

26th February 2016, 10:01 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,815	Great example of a cavalry sabre of the British Raj, and the native cavalry regiments typically were able to select their favored patterns, and the M1796 sabre blade remained thus favored through the century (I have even seen these produced as late as 1880s and used in India into 1930s). One of these belonged to the late Brigadier Francis Ingall, author of "Last of the Bengal Lancers" who led one of the last mounted cavalry charges on the Khyber plains in the 1930s. The M1853 cavalry sword was also a select pattern chosen by a number of the units, and this may be one of those, probably end of 19th c. early 20th. There were also variations of the M1853 produced in India privately for various paramilitary and security forces, one was if I recall Baroda Railway Co. and the maker was Rodwell & Co. This may parallel this sword as far as period etc. Interestingly Sialkot was a key administrative region in the Northwest Frontier connected with Punjab, thus perhaps military connection to Sikh units, however in this case there should be the usual acceptance stamps. Regarding the private use, there was also a railway company through Sialkot and to Waziristan, definitely one of the more 'volatile' areas of the Raj, so this may be to a levy or force connected in that capacity. The history of the British Raj in these areas is in my view of the most colorful and exciting history, from which came the great literature such as Kipling, "King of the Khyber Rifles", " and others! Last edited by Jim McDougall; 26th February 2016 at 10:14 PM.

26th February 2016, 08:03 AM	#2
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,156	ooh - purdy sabre! love the scabbard too. leather slab grip scales like that were std. on british 1853 sabres of the crimean war period, tho the blade harks back to the earlier 1796 LC.

27th February 2016, 01:38 AM	#4
Will M Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In the wee woods north of Napanee Ontario Posts: 391	Thanks Jim and you are correct no military markings. Gives me a point to start looking at railway etc.

27th February 2016, 09:14 PM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,815	Will, Thank you for responding to my post. Please keep us posted on your research, interesting sabre!!