Elephant swords

[ariel]

Originally Posted by Jens Nordlunde

Like Ariel, I too have the Moser 1955 catalogue, but although the dscriptions are in details sizes, and weights, the authors does not mention from where the weapons are, nor do they write anything about their age - a bit strange for a museum catalogue.

To understand it, we need to pay attention to the circumstances of Moser’s acquisition of items.

In Central Asia he was accompanied by Russian troops, the real rulers of the defeated Khanates. Locals were coming to him in droves with items for sale hoping to curry his favors in dealing with the Russians and by definition with local Khans. He did not know local languages and fully relied upon translators, especially his secretary, one Abbas Mirza. I referred to this situation and to its potential shortcomings long ago, when I looked at the origins of the word “karud”.
The 1955 edition is the most detailed one, utilizing Moser’s personal notes. But for example in the section of Persian arms many swords labeled as “Persian” are likely local Central Asian based on their baldrics. No doubt, the blades were bought in Persia, but the rest was done on the spot.

Moser’s sources did not have ( and were not interested in) academic provenancing and accurate dating. But the allure to present your stuff in the best ( most profitable) light to sell it to a poorly informed but rich and influential customer is universal and Moser was in the same position as Prince Saltykoff and countless European tourists in India. In a way, we might be grateful to the writers of his catalogue for omitting some information and sparing us many “ Arabian nights”- type entries.

Perhaps, a reassessment of his collection might be in order by specialists of Elgood’s class.