Gold inlaid tulwar

mariusgmioc · 9th August 2016, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

With a pattern weld of this type, I am not sure it was really ever meant to be etched, but more likely polished out, or at the very least with a much less bold etch.

I agree!

The tendency to etch pattern welded blades is relatively new. As far as I know 19th century Indian pattern welded swords weren't originally etched. But I would like to know others' oppinions.

Tim Simmons · 9th August 2016, 08:56 PM

Perhaps gold leaf might be a better discription.

Battara · 10th August 2016, 01:14 AM

Actually Tim, by the pictures I see, the gold looks to be more than gold leaf. I think it may have originally been gold or brass inlay. However, over time, a soft metal like this would wear away. I have seen this happen in Nepalese and Tibetan horas and gold inlays.

DaveS · 10th August 2016, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

Perhaps gold leaf might be a better discription.

Tim: I have had this sword for many years. It would seem to me that if it was brass inlays that they would have tarnished at least a little. But they are as bright as the day i first got it. As far as the etch, yes it was not as dark as when i got it. I re-etched it because i like patterns, weather it is a Moro sword or an Islamic piece, to have a nice darker contrast between layers. Not so much traditional maybe, just my personal preference............Dave.

Battara · 10th August 2016, 05:07 AM

I agree Dave that the yellow metal is in fact gold due to the hue I see in the pictures and that, yes, there is little or no patina/oxidation. They are true inlay, not just an overlay or leaf.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 10th August 2016, 11:02 PM

To decide if the inlay is gold you will need the nitric acid test. None of the other tests is reliable and in this case not practical . For safety you can ask a Jeweller if they can do the test.

Sajen · 11th August 2016, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

The tendency to etch pattern welded blades is relatively new. As far as I know 19th century Indian pattern welded swords weren't originally etched. But I would like to know others' oppinions.

At first, nice tulwar Dave!

Marius, I doubt but I can be wrong. Why should a good blacksmith don't want to show his work? I think when a blade is laminated or worked from wootz it was also the intention to show it, but maybe the etch wasn't very strong by some blades.

Regards,
Detlef

Roland_M · 11th August 2016, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

As far as I know 19th century Indian pattern welded swords weren't originally etched. But I would like to know others' oppinions.

Hi Marius,

some were some were not.

Lord Egerton of Tatton decscribes a technique in his Book "Indian and Oriental Arms and Armour (~1880)" how they did that.
From early 19th ct. we have detailed descriptions from George Pearson (scientist) and Antonio Crivelli (experimental smith).

A well made etching is also a good protection against corrosion.

This blade is skillfully forged and nicely etched.

Roland

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9th August 2016, 08:56 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,855	Perhaps gold leaf might be a better discription.

10th August 2016, 01:14 AM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	Actually Tim, by the pictures I see, the gold looks to be more than gold leaf. I think it may have originally been gold or brass inlay. However, over time, a soft metal like this would wear away. I have seen this happen in Nepalese and Tibetan horas and gold inlays.

10th August 2016, 05:07 AM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	I agree Dave that the yellow metal is in fact gold due to the hue I see in the pictures and that, yes, there is little or no patina/oxidation. They are true inlay, not just an overlay or leaf.

10th August 2016, 11:02 PM	#6
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	To decide if the inlay is gold you will need the nitric acid test. None of the other tests is reliable and in this case not practical . For safety you can ask a Jeweller if they can do the test.