Takouba with a forte.

[Marc M.]

Originally Posted by Ian

Marc, the longitudinal fuller runs under the "forte." This suggests to me that part of the repair consisted of a carefully fitted sleeve over the original forte and adjacent blade, then riveted in place. I suspect if you were to remove the existing guard (not suggesting you do) and examine the upper end of this "forte"/sleeve, it may also be similarly riveted to the blade underneath. Under the present "forte" there could be a scarf weld to the original blade, made more stable by the sleeve bridging the two sections.


If you wiggle the blade, is there any play in it in the area of the "forte?" An underlying weld done well should result in no play there.


Nice looking sword and scabbard.

Hi Ian
Thanks for your response, since we don't know where the damage to the sword is under the forte, there are several ways to repair the damage. Yours is very possible, but as you said removing the hilt is not an option. The only way to find out is to take an x-ray shot. Will try if that is possible. Any idea what the age of the blade is and the wear on the brass rings? The blade is rock solid on the forte.
Regards
Marc