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Title Pulouar
Nationality Afghan
Period c 1800
Sold

This is the classic Afghan sword, derived from many varied influences. The grip owes its shape to the Indian tulwar, the guard form is similar to a saif from Arabia, perhaps only the form of the pommel being purely Afghan. It has a heavy 32" blade, just over one-and-a-half inches at the forte, with five fullers in the back and an armourer's mark.

This all iron hilt first appeared in the 17th century and is always difficult to date precisely on account of the Afghan penchant for copying successful designs down the centuries, viz the locally made AK47! I Have even seen a pulouar with a knuckle bow and sidebar guard, brought back by James Abbot from his adventures in Central Asia in mid 19th century. However, this is the orthodox type, the variants being of considerable rarity.

It has a 10" false edge (blunt) and is slightly bent at the point. There are scattered surface rust spots throughout. There is some bruising (from an old sword cut?) on the pommel.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.


[Edged Weapons : Swords : Afghan : 19th Century]

testimonials

Hanger arrived safe and sound 11.30ish today. Very pleased, it's as expected. Your excellent pics make all the difference in terms of confident buying over the net. As a matter of interest, the frog, which as you said is very a/f, is, as you thought, 'spot on'. On closer inspection it is a mk.1 Naval Frog, designated 'for cutlasses'. Date seems around 1860ish give or take.

By the way, I think your site is very user friendly. Seems to work much better than many and up to date, a rarity!!!

C W, UK, 20.04.2006

I am just dropping your company a line to say thank you for the 2nd WW Iron Cross, that my brother has purchased off your site Thursday evening. We received it 1st class today and it is in excellent condition. Many thanks again.

J B, UK, 15.10.2005

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