Bhuj? Age? Origin?

Jens Nordlunde · 16th January 2018, 04:38 PM

Congratulations.
Its quite an interesting Bhuj.
The size itself is quite big. The haft witgh the very long tang is interesting, as are the two rings. The blade form is unusual, althought seen before, with the reinforced tip, which adds weight and strength to the blade, or it would have been too weak for any action.
What I find especially interesting is, the stylized elaphant head (or that is what I see), at the base of the blade and handle. You only see it in profile, where it mostly is shown in detail.
Interesting too is, that there, for obvious reasons, is not hidden knife in the haft.

Sajen · 16th January 2018, 05:14 PM

Thank you all for comment, very appreciated!

The rings which seems to be for a carrying belt I am as well never have seen before by a bhuj and also not this full tang construction. Soon as I will have it in my hands I will take pictures and will tell you the feel in the hands, I think that it's a substantial weapon and like Kai write worked for real business. If it's used on horseback I can't say, I just don't know enough about this sort of weapon.

Jens, interesting suggestion about the stylized elaphant head! Do you have an idea about the exact origin and an age guess?

Thank you again,
Detlef

CharlesS · 16th January 2018, 05:26 PM

Looks like it's going to be a stunner!!! Are you planning to clean it up a bit? The gray color of the blade suggests perhaps wootz!

Detlef, congrats on a lovely and unique find!

kai · 16th January 2018, 06:36 PM

Hello Charles,

Quote:

The gray color of the blade suggests perhaps wootz

Considering the full tang construction, I'm more inclined to believe this blade is laminated rather than forged from crucible steel.

Regards,
Kai

Sajen · 16th January 2018, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

Looks like it's going to be a stunner!!! Are you planning to clean it up a bit? The gray color of the blade suggests perhaps wootz!

Detlef, congrats on a lovely and unique find!

Thank you Charles! This piece deserves certainly a proper polish and etch and as well a reshape of the tip from the blade, it seems to be compressed. It would be a big extra when the blade is from wootz, we will see!

Regards,
Detlef

kai · 16th January 2018, 06:46 PM

Hello Jens,

Thanks for weighting in!

Quote:

What I find especially interesting is, the stylized elaphant head (or that is what I see), at the base of the blade and handle. You only see it in profile, where it mostly is shown in detail.

Interesting thought! You mean essentially the bolster area, I guess? That would be very stylized compared to the very figural, typical examples, indeed. No eyes, ears possibly indicated by the tapering bolster, with only a vague trunk extending down vertically...

I'm sure Detlef can provide close-ups soon for us to get a clearer picture!

Regards,
Kai

Sajen · 16th January 2018, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kai

Thanks for weighting in!

Also a big "thank you" from me also!

Quote:

Originally Posted by kai

I'm sure Detlef can provide close-ups soon for us to get a clearer picture!

You can be sure about this!

16th January 2018, 04:38 PM	#1
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	Congratulations. Its quite an interesting Bhuj. The size itself is quite big. The haft witgh the very long tang is interesting, as are the two rings. The blade form is unusual, althought seen before, with the reinforced tip, which adds weight and strength to the blade, or it would have been too weak for any action. What I find especially interesting is, the stylized elaphant head (or that is what I see), at the base of the blade and handle. You only see it in profile, where it mostly is shown in detail. Interesting too is, that there, for obvious reasons, is not hidden knife in the haft. Attached Images

16th January 2018, 05:14 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,214	Thank you all for comment, very appreciated! The rings which seems to be for a carrying belt I am as well never have seen before by a bhuj and also not this full tang construction. Soon as I will have it in my hands I will take pictures and will tell you the feel in the hands, I think that it's a substantial weapon and like Kai write worked for real business. If it's used on horseback I can't say, I just don't know enough about this sort of weapon. Jens, interesting suggestion about the stylized elaphant head! Do you have an idea about the exact origin and an age guess? Thank you again, Detlef Last edited by Sajen; 16th January 2018 at 10:11 PM.

16th January 2018, 05:26 PM	#3
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Looks like it's going to be a stunner!!! Are you planning to clean it up a bit? The gray color of the blade suggests perhaps wootz! Detlef, congrats on a lovely and unique find!