help me to identify this sword

nihung11 · 30th May 2025, 11:50 PM

Hi Richard,

Based on my observations, I believe this could be a Bikaner, India armory stamp. I’m not 100% sure, but the marking style appears to be the same. I can assist with translating as well; on the spine, it reads "karigar," which means "maker," though I couldn’t make out the rest due to rust. The numbering on the blade is "x34" (the "x" is unknown). It seems to resemble a Kilji-style tulwar.

richardshelton · 31st May 2025, 02:17 PM

Thank you both, Jim and nihung11, for your incredibly insightful and generous responses!

Jim, your depth of knowledge is astounding, and I’m truly grateful for the historical context you've provided not only about the Bikaner markings but also the broader cultural and martial history surrounding this tulwar. I especially appreciate the cautionary advice regarding preservation over restoration. I’ll be following your recommendation closely WD40 and the finest steel wool only!

Nihung11, thank you as well for taking the time to examine the markings and for your help with the translation. "Karigar" makes perfect sense and adds a personal touch to the blade’s story, knowing it references the maker. I’ll do my best to clear up the rust carefully and perhaps be able to share clearer images for further interpretation.

I’m honored to be learning from such knowledgeable contributors. Much appreciated!

also special thanks to IAN

Best regards,
Richard

Jim McDougall · 31st May 2025, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nihung11

Hi Richard,

Based on my observations, I believe this could be a Bikaner, India armory stamp. I’m not 100% sure, but the marking style appears to be the same. I can assist with translating as well; on the spine, it reads "karigar," which means "maker," though I couldn’t make out the rest due to rust. The numbering on the blade is "x34" (the "x" is unknown). It seems to resemble a Kilji-style tulwar.

Thanks for coming in and agreeing with my suggestion (post #4) that the markings appear Bikaner. It is most helpful that you can translate...I can only recognize the style of the markings. As you suggest, as I earlier mentioned, the blade with pronounced yelman is a Turkic form from much earlier sabers which prevailed in the Ottoman kilij/pala and which continued in degree in favor in India on tulwar blades until the beginning of 19th c.

Jim McDougall · 31st May 2025, 10:32 PM

Richard, thank you for the kind words, and for your input and help on my pata thread. Im glad I could add this information which I learned some time ago in studying these weapons of these fascinating cultures. For me, its exciting to see an actual example with true Bikaner markings!! Ive never owned one, only seen pictures, so this is amazing.

30th May 2025, 11:50 PM	#1
nihung11 Member Join Date: Apr 2025 Posts: 3	Hi Richard, Based on my observations, I believe this could be a Bikaner, India armory stamp. I’m not 100% sure, but the marking style appears to be the same. I can assist with translating as well; on the spine, it reads "karigar," which means "maker," though I couldn’t make out the rest due to rust. The numbering on the blade is "x34" (the "x" is unknown). It seems to resemble a Kilji-style tulwar.

31st May 2025, 02:17 PM	#2
richardshelton Member Join Date: May 2025 Location: india Posts: 6	Thank you both, Jim and nihung11, for your incredibly insightful and generous responses! Jim, your depth of knowledge is astounding, and I’m truly grateful for the historical context you've provided not only about the Bikaner markings but also the broader cultural and martial history surrounding this tulwar. I especially appreciate the cautionary advice regarding preservation over restoration. I’ll be following your recommendation closely WD40 and the finest steel wool only! Nihung11, thank you as well for taking the time to examine the markings and for your help with the translation. "Karigar" makes perfect sense and adds a personal touch to the blade’s story, knowing it references the maker. I’ll do my best to clear up the rust carefully and perhaps be able to share clearer images for further interpretation. I’m honored to be learning from such knowledgeable contributors. Much appreciated! also special thanks to IAN Best regards, Richard

31st May 2025, 10:32 PM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,281	Richard, thank you for the kind words, and for your input and help on my pata thread. Im glad I could add this information which I learned some time ago in studying these weapons of these fascinating cultures. For me, its exciting to see an actual example with true Bikaner markings!! Ive never owned one, only seen pictures, so this is amazing.