![vivelareine:
“Court Society at Versailles, 1731. 19th century print.
[credit: Library of Congress Collections]
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Rapier
- Dated: 17th century
- Culture: German
- Measurements: overall length 109 cm
The sword has a straight, double-edged blade of hexagonal section, grooved at the first part featuring an unclear inscription. The richly pierced hilt is chiselled with knots and garlands with thin grooves, the grip is decorated en suite with engraved moor’s heads. The hilt is reminiscent of the works of the artist Gottfiried Leygebe from Berlin (1630-1683).
Punjab Tulwar
- Dated: circa 1800
- Place of Origin: India
- Measurements: overall length: 37 inches(940mm); blade length: 32.5 inches (825mm)
This Tulwar has a possible Sikh connection to Nabha State, which was one of the Phulkian princely states of Punjab during the British Raj in India.
The blade was probably made in India, but in the style of German blades. It is triple fullered and marked on both sides with Solingen style markings: “xx II . (S)OLINGEN X II XXX II” and “XX II. MEFECIT X II XXX II”.
The hilt is heavily encrusted with deep yellow gold in floral patterns. On the inside and outside of the knuckle guard there is prominent use of a Tirsul* (trident) with the middle point shaped very much like a Khanda sword. The same emblem can also be found discreetly placed on the quillions.
The original scabbard has a timber core, covered in black leather, heavily stitched with silver. There is en-suite silver pierced locket and chape. The hilt is also complete with a heavy, cut and pierced silver pommel tag.
Sidenotes:
- The Tirsul (trident) is usually a symbol connected to the Hindu faith, but there is evidence that the Sikhs used the symbol too.
Source: Copyright © 2015 Akaal Arms
