Carved ivory handles on Indian edged weapons

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Likhari

Here is the complete sword for you Marius and Jens !

It is a thorough bastard that was put together probably for a British cavalry officer. The blade is wootz and possible 17th or 18th century. The handle is Indian carved ivory from the early 19th century and the guard is from the British Pattern 1796 Light Cavalry Sabre.

A dragoon or hussar office posted in India probably wanted to use a blade that he got as war booty and he had a local craftsman fashion it into a sword that he could wear as part of his uniform. Pure conjecture but it makes for a good story !!

Clearly it was occasionally the done thing to have a sword commissioned ...Please see http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=21674 and at #5 an example of a Wilkinson Hybrid style for the British/Indian Market see also Wilkinson marks on that thread. These appear as Ethiopian form.