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Old 16th October 2023, 12:20 AM   #40
Jim McDougall
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
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Yes the first 'Tipu' style saber has a 'European' blade, as Styria is a region in Austria, considered part of Europe.

The tulwar is also a remarkable sword, and if these are both yours, you seem to have a most discerning eye for notable examples. While the blade is multi fullered in similar manner, the blade with widened distal end (yelman) and the hollowed spine suggest more Central Asian, perhaps Caucasian origin. However the blunted blade near hilt suggests possible North Indian origin, with this feature termed 'the Indian ricasso'.

It is a northern tulwar, and in typical Indo-Persian form with the disc pommel etc. of Rajasthani style and with that seemingly canted it seems again to call on certain Central Asian conventions . The notable 'sickle marks' seem remarkably well executed , but these are well known on Caucasian made blades as 'gurda'.
The form of tulwar prevalent in Afghanistan (paluoar)with quite distinctly different features than Indo-Persian (downturned quillons, bowl type pommel) is known to most often have sickle marks on the blade, while they do not seem as prevalent on blades to the south except as noted with European blades.

Attached N.Indian (Afghan) paluoar, note the sickle marks on Indian blade made, with these virtually ubiquitous on these Afghan swords'blades.
Next is an old Mughal tulwar with the distinctive Central Asian style yelman, widened point. This feature was designed to add impetus to the deadly draw cut which was a characteristic method in mounted swordsmanship favored by these tribal warriors.
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Last edited by Jim McDougall; 16th October 2023 at 12:43 AM.
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