Saudi Saifs

Lee · 6th September 2015, 03:52 PM

Here are some additional images ... more to come...

Lee · 6th September 2015, 04:16 PM

with still more to come...

A.alnakkas · 6th September 2015, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee

with still more to come...

A very decent early piece (early 20th century, which is old for these)

Lee · 6th September 2015, 05:00 PM

The last group of additional views; the chape has taken quite a beating over the years...

A.alnakkas · 6th September 2015, 05:03 PM

Nice photography, Lee.

One observation I have collecting these, is that the ones with the bone hilts almost all have the same identical damage. Its always the bone breaking near the pommel cap, and the repairing is done by gluing (traditional) but when they open the pommel cap for repair, when they return it, they do not put the pin back.. or simply the pin is stuck in the tang and putting a new one is probably a hassle.

A.alnakkas · 6th September 2015, 05:15 PM

This is the damage I am speaking about. Note the cracks on the bone near the pommel caps.

Lee · 7th September 2015, 03:07 PM

I am most grateful to A.alnakkas for having answered my questions about the mountings of this saif beyond my expectations and I look forward to his publishing his discoveries about the evolution of the saif.

Perhaps someone could help with interpretation of the blade inscription?

A.alnakkas · 7th September 2015, 03:34 PM

Hey Lee,

it says Nasrun min Allah wa fat'hun qareeb. (Victory from Allah and close conquest)

The inscription is odd. Likely added later... Also, gulf 'saudi' swords are always with a high polish, even the wootz ones. Only collectors etch them, so likely this one was etched and the inscription added.

6th September 2015, 03:52 PM	#1
Lee EAAF Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upstate New York, USA Posts: 937	More photos starting from the hilt Here are some additional images ... more to come... Attached Images

6th September 2015, 04:16 PM	#2
Lee EAAF Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upstate New York, USA Posts: 937	Moving along with still more to come... Attached Images

6th September 2015, 05:00 PM	#4
Lee EAAF Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upstate New York, USA Posts: 937	and arriving at the tip The last group of additional views; the chape has taken quite a beating over the years... Attached Images

6th September 2015, 05:15 PM	#6
A.alnakkas Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Kuwait Posts: 1,340	This is the damage I am speaking about. Note the cracks on the bone near the pommel caps. Attached Images

7th September 2015, 03:07 PM	#7
Lee EAAF Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upstate New York, USA Posts: 937	Blade Inscription Translation Request... I am most grateful to A.alnakkas for having answered my questions about the mountings of this saif beyond my expectations and I look forward to his publishing his discoveries about the evolution of the saif. Perhaps someone could help with interpretation of the blade inscription? Attached Images

6th September 2015, 05:03 PM	#5
A.alnakkas Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Kuwait Posts: 1,340	Nice photography, Lee. One observation I have collecting these, is that the ones with the bone hilts almost all have the same identical damage. Its always the bone breaking near the pommel cap, and the repairing is done by gluing (traditional) but when they open the pommel cap for repair, when they return it, they do not put the pin back.. or simply the pin is stuck in the tang and putting a new one is probably a hassle.

7th September 2015, 03:34 PM	#8
A.alnakkas Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Kuwait Posts: 1,340	Hey Lee, it says Nasrun min Allah wa fat'hun qareeb. (Victory from Allah and close conquest) The inscription is odd. Likely added later... Also, gulf 'saudi' swords are always with a high polish, even the wootz ones. Only collectors etch them, so likely this one was etched and the inscription added.