Another tulwar ... to join the others

Jim McDougall · 10th December 2007, 10:13 PM

Hi Fernando,
Another tulwar!! fantastic

This one is really nice and as I always note, my favorite, as these beautifully worn and patinated examples are pure history. While I cannot think of the particulars on the narrow crossguard quillons and the long thin grip, I believe they represent earlier tulwar hilt structure. The patination and sword overall give me the impression of an 18th century example. The blade in great, and the deep parabolic curve and heavy tip seem to correspond to early Central Asian blades.
I am hoping to hear more on the possibilities of the long, thin grip on this. I recall the many discussions here concerning the size of the grips are Indian swords being so confining with emphasis on Indian hands being smaller. This one seems to exceed the usual grip size.
Another great puzzle on tulwars is of course, trying to establish any consistancy with the variations of the standard hilt form, and the presence of knuckleguard on some and not others, as to region or period. As far as I can determine, the 'open hilt' such as this example, does not seem confined to a particular region, though it does seem that knuckleguarded hilts are more often of 19th century.
I would very much like to hear other opinions on the thin, long grip and thoughts on the open hilts on tulwars vs. the knuckleguard hilts.

All very best regards,
Jim

10th December 2007, 10:13 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,459	Hi Fernando, Another tulwar!! fantastic This one is really nice and as I always note, my favorite, as these beautifully worn and patinated examples are pure history. While I cannot think of the particulars on the narrow crossguard quillons and the long thin grip, I believe they represent earlier tulwar hilt structure. The patination and sword overall give me the impression of an 18th century example. The blade in great, and the deep parabolic curve and heavy tip seem to correspond to early Central Asian blades. I am hoping to hear more on the possibilities of the long, thin grip on this. I recall the many discussions here concerning the size of the grips are Indian swords being so confining with emphasis on Indian hands being smaller. This one seems to exceed the usual grip size. Another great puzzle on tulwars is of course, trying to establish any consistancy with the variations of the standard hilt form, and the presence of knuckleguard on some and not others, as to region or period. As far as I can determine, the 'open hilt' such as this example, does not seem confined to a particular region, though it does seem that knuckleguarded hilts are more often of 19th century. I would very much like to hear other opinions on the thin, long grip and thoughts on the open hilts on tulwars vs. the knuckleguard hilts. All very best regards, Jim