Drop pointed straight bladed tulwar, what purpose?

Jens Nordlunde · 21st November 2017, 10:50 PM

Jim,
As far as I see it, there are two narrow fullers - and not one. Does that change you mind about a possible European origin?
To me the blade looks Indian.
Jens

Jim McDougall · 22nd November 2017, 12:33 AM

Jens,
You are right, I think I need new glasses. Agree, Indian blade.

ariel · 22nd November 2017, 03:03 AM

I have seen a couple of tulwars with misaligned hilt and blade combination. I think there is one for sale on e-bay right now.

Originally, I thought it was done on purpose, to increase the cutting ability of the sword ( similar to Georgian Kabiani Khmali), but that was far too exotic an explanation,

The marriage between the blade and the hilt was done in a hurry. First, the handle was filled with molten mastique and then a red-hot tang was forcefully inserted and everything was allowed to cool and solidify.

A little error or just inattention and the alignment was off.

This process was repeated several times during the life of a sword because the mastique dried out and crumbled, especially with repeat blows. Thus, there were plenty of opportunities to put things aslant.

Kmaddock · 22nd November 2017, 08:42 AM

Hi
Yes there are 2 narrow fullers
I have it soaking in diesel so I should have better images over the weekend
Regards
Ken

Jens Nordlunde · 22nd November 2017, 11:38 AM

Dont worry Jim, you can have my old glasses, thay are only about ten years old:-).
Jens

Jens Nordlunde · 14th December 2017, 05:44 PM

In post 12 Jim askes an interesting question.
Not to begin any name game stuff, but I am wondering, could this, or any kirach (straight blade tulwar as I understand) be with 'firangi' blade.
There are straight bladed tulwars and there are Kiraches.
Many of the straight bladed tulwars had foreign blades, but some also had Indian blades.
When it comes to Kiraches, as far as I know all of these blades were from India.

Norman McCormick · 14th December 2017, 08:07 PM

Here is my example of a straight bladed Tulwar. To my mind it does not conform to the Kirach archetype i.e. lacking the pronounced downward curve. It is unmarked and of indeterminate lineage so might be European, Indian or possibly another unknown source. It is a backsword blade. The steel appears well made resulting in a sharp and flexible blade.
Regards,
Norman.

14th December 2017, 08:07 PM	#7
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,650	Here is my example of a straight bladed Tulwar. To my mind it does not conform to the Kirach archetype i.e. lacking the pronounced downward curve. It is unmarked and of indeterminate lineage so might be European, Indian or possibly another unknown source. It is a backsword blade. The steel appears well made resulting in a sharp and flexible blade. Regards, Norman. Attached Images

21st November 2017, 10:50 PM	#1
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	Jim, As far as I see it, there are two narrow fullers - and not one. Does that change you mind about a possible European origin? To me the blade looks Indian. Jens

22nd November 2017, 12:33 AM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,733	Jens, You are right, I think I need new glasses. Agree, Indian blade.

22nd November 2017, 03:03 AM	#3
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	I have seen a couple of tulwars with misaligned hilt and blade combination. I think there is one for sale on e-bay right now. Originally, I thought it was done on purpose, to increase the cutting ability of the sword ( similar to Georgian Kabiani Khmali), but that was far too exotic an explanation, The marriage between the blade and the hilt was done in a hurry. First, the handle was filled with molten mastique and then a red-hot tang was forcefully inserted and everything was allowed to cool and solidify. A little error or just inattention and the alignment was off. This process was repeated several times during the life of a sword because the mastique dried out and crumbled, especially with repeat blows. Thus, there were plenty of opportunities to put things aslant.

22nd November 2017, 08:42 AM	#4
Kmaddock Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Ireland Posts: 545	Hi Yes there are 2 narrow fullers I have it soaking in diesel so I should have better images over the weekend Regards Ken

22nd November 2017, 11:38 AM	#5
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	Dont worry Jim, you can have my old glasses, thay are only about ten years old:-). Jens

14th December 2017, 05:44 PM	#6
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	In post 12 Jim askes an interesting question. Not to begin any name game stuff, but I am wondering, could this, or any kirach (straight blade tulwar as I understand) be with 'firangi' blade. There are straight bladed tulwars and there are Kiraches. Many of the straight bladed tulwars had foreign blades, but some also had Indian blades. When it comes to Kiraches, as far as I know all of these blades were from India.