Riyadh's old Bazaar

Tim Simmons · 21st January 2007, 05:01 PM

I am having trouble finding pictures of British sword blades earlier than the late 1600s with English engraving on the back. These two pics from the late 1700s help show a more old style especially the numbers. I may well be terribly wrong but to me the engraving looks more modern on the 1510 sword. Clean and lacking any wear. If it is a 1796 sword than it is no wonder it feels good and it has been made into great looking weapon.

kronckew · 21st January 2007, 05:42 PM

Wow!

I spent a couple days in riyadh back in '95 when i had to get my visa for the UK, but never had a chance to go to the souk. i was working for M. Al-Mojil's construction co., out of Dammam at the time, after having worked for aramco in dhahran for 10 years. never saw any such fine specimens in the shops in al-khobar or dammam while i was there, saw a lot of expensive new swords in silver & gold mounts/scabbards but they never impressed me much, looked like 'dancing' swords, not real battle blades. i was not as knowledgeable then either....

thanks, shukran, siddiqi, for showing those to us.

21st January 2007, 05:01 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,854	I am having trouble finding pictures of British sword blades earlier than the late 1600s with English engraving on the back. These two pics from the late 1700s help show a more old style especially the numbers. I may well be terribly wrong but to me the engraving looks more modern on the 1510 sword. Clean and lacking any wear. If it is a 1796 sword than it is no wonder it feels good and it has been made into great looking weapon.

21st January 2007, 05:42 PM	#2
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,224	Wow! I spent a couple days in riyadh back in '95 when i had to get my visa for the UK, but never had a chance to go to the souk. i was working for M. Al-Mojil's construction co., out of Dammam at the time, after having worked for aramco in dhahran for 10 years. never saw any such fine specimens in the shops in al-khobar or dammam while i was there, saw a lot of expensive new swords in silver & gold mounts/scabbards but they never impressed me much, looked like 'dancing' swords, not real battle blades. i was not as knowledgeable then either.... thanks, shukran, siddiqi, for showing those to us.