Indian Arab Influenced Jambiya and Lots of Questions

[TVV]

Originally Posted by Jens Nordlunde

Are you sure they were gilded and not silvered?

Yes - I only see traces of gilding, but no traces of silvering anywhere.

[Jens Nordlunde]

Teodor, have a look at the mounts on this scabbard, and notice especially the edges. These mounts have rests of silver, and the scabbard is from a bhuj.
I don't think there is much doubt that your hilt and the head on the scabbard have been cast, but it is a rare combination using bronze and copper.
Here is another bhuj scabbard.

[TVV]

Thank you Jens,
The mountings on the bhuj scabbard are very similar in style to those on my jambiya. However, while I can see the remnants of silvering on your example, the copper fittings on mine have definitely been gilded, not silvered. I am attaching some close-ups, which I hope illustrate this.
Why the artisan on mine chose to combine different materials in the hilt and scabbard I am not qure about, but Gene's explanation makes sense - perhaps copper was chosen as it was easier to pierce and rigidity was not required for those parts, which had the backing of the wooden scabbard.
Best regards,
Teodor

[ALEX]

Here is a typical Bhuj silver-work example from the early to mid 19th Century - a non-weapon object/beaker. There are strong style similarities with Teodor's and Jens' scabbards.

I also appreciate Atlantia's references to non-arms objects in his effort to understand the relationships between workmanship of different regions. As evidenced by this thread - it is very helpful.

[Jens Nordlunde]

Alex,

Thank you for showing this decoration. This is a very good example of what I mean, as other object than weapons can show the same kind of decoration, but they are often better documented. This is a very good example – thank you.

Jens

[ALEX]

Originally Posted by Jens Nordlunde

Alex,

Thank you for showing this decoration. This is a very good example of what I mean, as other object than weapons can show the same kind of decoration, but they are often better documented. This is a very good example – thank you.

Jens

Thank you, Jens
Based on your and Atlantia's comments, I decided to start a new thread: "Comparison of decorations on arms and non-arms objects". Hopefully we'll have other examples and references for comparing.