Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - A 19th century Afghan warrior’s opinion on European blades compared to his own

Jim McDougall · 11th October 2025, 05:08 PM

This is remarkable Chris!!! and the markings 4 P.I. are most telling, as you have noted for the unit 4th Punjab Infantry. Those singular markings unleash the 'story' of this tulwar, and its part in the incredibly complex and fascinating history of the British Raj in India.

As you have noted, this unit participated in the Relief of Lucknow in 1857, during the Indian Mutiny, one of the most historic events in this sector of Indian history. In this action the 4th were with the 93rd Highlanders.

I must thank you as you have piqued my interest in this history, which took me to a number of weapons which have been held for years in my collection, while I have studied in other areas. Your tulwar has totally rekindled my interest in returning to their incomplete documentation.

The 4th Punjab Infantry was formed in 1849, along with 9 other units, totaling five cavalry and five infantry, all becoming what comprised the Punjab Irregular Force in 1851.

Ironically, many of the components of these forces were Sikh, and had joined British forces at the end of the Anglo-Sikh war in 1849, along with Pathans from Afghanistan, and some Hindu's from southerly regions.

In 1849, the Kingdom of Punjab was annexed into British East India territory so the idea was to have native forces patrol these vast areas.

I have a cavalry saber by Mole, to the 21st cavalry (Dalys Horse) which was also part of this irregular force from 1849, but was not known by the 21st cavalry designator until 1903. This would seem to fall in place with these type sabers which seem to have become prevalent around late 1880s.

This unit was formed by Lt.H.Daly in 1849, and later became known as 'Daly's Horse' in the convention of the times recognizing the founders of the regiments.

Apparently both the 4th Punjab infantry and the 1st Punjab Cavalry (as Daly's Horse was known then) participated in the actions at Lucknow noted.

While I realize my saber was certainly not present in 1857 but later, yours might have been of that period.....despite the unit designator not being the same after 1851. On the frontiers these peculiarities did not change that quickly.

SIDE NOTE: These irregular units were known initially as the Transfrontier Brigade informally, and were the first military to adopt khaki (called drab) to align with the rugged regions they were situated in.

11th October 2025, 05:08 PM	#10
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,626	This is remarkable Chris!!! and the markings 4 P.I. are most telling, as you have noted for the unit 4th Punjab Infantry. Those singular markings unleash the 'story' of this tulwar, and its part in the incredibly complex and fascinating history of the British Raj in India. As you have noted, this unit participated in the Relief of Lucknow in 1857, during the Indian Mutiny, one of the most historic events in this sector of Indian history. In this action the 4th were with the 93rd Highlanders. I must thank you as you have piqued my interest in this history, which took me to a number of weapons which have been held for years in my collection, while I have studied in other areas. Your tulwar has totally rekindled my interest in returning to their incomplete documentation. The 4th Punjab Infantry was formed in 1849, along with 9 other units, totaling five cavalry and five infantry, all becoming what comprised the Punjab Irregular Force in 1851. Ironically, many of the components of these forces were Sikh, and had joined British forces at the end of the Anglo-Sikh war in 1849, along with Pathans from Afghanistan, and some Hindu's from southerly regions. In 1849, the Kingdom of Punjab was annexed into British East India territory so the idea was to have native forces patrol these vast areas. I have a cavalry saber by Mole, to the 21st cavalry (Dalys Horse) which was also part of this irregular force from 1849, but was not known by the 21st cavalry designator until 1903. This would seem to fall in place with these type sabers which seem to have become prevalent around late 1880s. This unit was formed by Lt.H.Daly in 1849, and later became known as 'Daly's Horse' in the convention of the times recognizing the founders of the regiments. Apparently both the 4th Punjab infantry and the 1st Punjab Cavalry (as Daly's Horse was known then) participated in the actions at Lucknow noted. While I realize my saber was certainly not present in 1857 but later, yours might have been of that period.....despite the unit designator not being the same after 1851. On the frontiers these peculiarities did not change that quickly. SIDE NOTE: These irregular units were known initially as the Transfrontier Brigade informally, and were the first military to adopt khaki (called drab) to align with the rugged regions they were situated in. Attached Images Last edited by Jim McDougall; 11th October 2025 at 06:29 PM.