Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - Cavalry saber from Deccan late 18th c. EIC?

Jim McDougall · 6th October 2020, 02:59 AM

This anomaly is an unusual style tulwar hilt from India's Deccan(Central regions) mounted with in steel shamshir form with Indo-Persian type quillon terminals and langet, as well as knuckle bow in Persian style.
What is unusual is that the blade is a British model 1788 light cavalry type and of the montmorency section typically made by James Wooley of Birmingham, but this appears unmarked.
The blade has had 'koftgari' gold inlay placed at the forte.

This may be from the late 18th c. probably after the defeat of Tipu Sultan at Seringpatam with the East India Company's occupation of these regions.

Without getting into this very complex and dramatic history, what is unique about this saber is that it is a virtual representation of Kipling's "East and West" but joined together.

It is known that in India, there were many cases of European blades being mounted in Indian swords, and this could very well be one. But with the koftgari decoration there is strong suggestion this could have had perhaps diplomatic assertions. Whatever the case, it is a high end saber possibly for an East India Company officer.

While of course Indian in style it is quite possibly a British East India Company officers saber.

As always, more research,
Any thoughts or similar examples ?

6th October 2020, 02:59 AM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,738	Cavalry saber from Deccan late 18th c. EIC? This anomaly is an unusual style tulwar hilt from India's Deccan(Central regions) mounted with in steel shamshir form with Indo-Persian type quillon terminals and langet, as well as knuckle bow in Persian style. What is unusual is that the blade is a British model 1788 light cavalry type and of the montmorency section typically made by James Wooley of Birmingham, but this appears unmarked. The blade has had 'koftgari' gold inlay placed at the forte. This may be from the late 18th c. probably after the defeat of Tipu Sultan at Seringpatam with the East India Company's occupation of these regions. Without getting into this very complex and dramatic history, what is unique about this saber is that it is a virtual representation of Kipling's "East and West" but joined together. It is known that in India, there were many cases of European blades being mounted in Indian swords, and this could very well be one. But with the koftgari decoration there is strong suggestion this could have had perhaps diplomatic assertions. Whatever the case, it is a high end saber possibly for an East India Company officer. While of course Indian in style it is quite possibly a British East India Company officers saber. As always, more research, Any thoughts or similar examples ? Attached Images Last edited by Jim McDougall; 6th October 2020 at 03:13 AM.