1870 era Generals Marmeluke Sword question

[Tsuba]

Hi everyone

Was just wondering if the sword handles of these were made from other materials other than ivory. Also the period ones contracted to be made in India at the time were blade etchings a bit inferior to British made ones.

Any help appreciated

Ross

[kirke]

mameluke sword

Ivory was the most prevalent, but I've seen grips in various woods. Etching of this period is almost univerisally good. Is there a cutlers mark or proof slug?
Any pictures?

[Tsuba]

Hi Kirke

Thank you for that. Assuming the proof plug is in the star of david it says " proved T ".

Will take some shots in the next day or two.

The grip looks ivory but is not. A hot needle will go into it.

Thanks again

Ross

[peter monahan]

I would have assumed, given the rank, that ivory would be the choice, but bone properly worked can look very convincing. If you heat ir - match or candle - bone will darken, ivory just gets hot enough to raise blisters. (Ask me how I know! )

Peter

[Tsuba]

Hi Peter

Thanks for that. I have done a bit of carving in my time so I know a bit about ivory and bone. This handle melts like plastic. So was wondering if any synthetic materials were around at the time.

Cheers

Ross www.rossheywood.co.nz

[Tsuba]

Hi again

Heres some shots of it. Also one a book which is identicle to my one. Maker Manton & Co London. You can also see that they made in India in the 1870s.

Any thoughts welcome

Ross

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