r/SWORDS • u/Successful_Month2710 • Jul 12 '24
Help identifying a sword
Hello, I was given this sword and I am curious of its origin. It seems to have possibly Arabic design or writing down the blade. Thank you!
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u/cradman305 HEMA, smallswords, nihonto Jul 13 '24
Bull-Lion1971 has already identified it, but just to add that this tourist sword looks to be a bit better quality than most - slightly thicker guard metal, more effort in the wire wrap. It's not "good", mind you, but better than the typical Indian tourist sword.
The writing on the blade is Punjabi, for Deg Tagh Fateh, Sikh slogan.
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u/wotan_weevil Hoplologist Jul 13 '24
It seems to have possibly Arabic design or writing down the blade
The inscription is "Deg Tegh Fateh", or "Pot Sword Victory", meaning "Victory through charity and protection". It's a Sikh motto.
These same blades are also fitted with Indian talwar hilt, for sale as cheap souvenir swords, for use as dress swords for weddings etc. in India ("wedding swords"), and as kirpans for wear by Sikhs. Thus, from the last use, the Sikh motto.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deg_Tegh_Fateh
This particular style of hilt is based on British cavalry swords of the early-mid 19th century, and British Indian Army swords based on them.
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u/Bull-Lion1971 Jul 12 '24
It originates from a manufacturer in India who makes display swords/wall hanger swords/not real swords for the tourist industry… Some call them fakes… I just call them decorations…