High ranked Afghan Pulwar

The ‘pulwar’ or ‘pulouar’ in Pashtun is perhaps the most iconic sword in the Afghan region. The ‘Pulwar’ is inspired from the Persian ‘shamshir’ and Indian ‘talwar’. A most typical feature is the forward facing quillons. Most hilts are build up in different casted or forged segments and have a hollow pommel which is often filled with resin beads to make a rattling sound while wielding it. ‘pulwar’ strongly vary in quality, from simple militia grade to the high ranked examples such as our example listed here.

The hilt: A fine casted hilt with raised, chiseled decoration in Persian style depicting central floral motif with petals and ridges leaping towards the langets, quillons and pommel. The quillons are facing forward and depict a stylistic version of the ‘makara’ a mythical beast. The mid section of the hilt features a ribbed bolster to provide an excellent grip. The hollow pommel cap has a spinal form with a pierced decoration of stars. The pommel has its original bronze finial still attached.

The very fine blade is curved, single edged with a false edge, two fullers and a typical straight forte, which indicates it was most likely manufactured in India. The blade also mimics an eyelash mark, a European quality mark, often copied by Indian sword makers.
I date the pulsar to the 19th century, since no sources yet found depict or describe the ‘pulwar’ in the 18th century.

The scabbard was originally made for this ‘pulwar’ and has a steel chape and belt rings. The locket is made of silver with an engraved decoration of foliage on the outlines. Between the firings, the scabbard is covered in blackened rayskin.

An Afghan warrior wearing a Jezail rifle and ‘Pulwar’ sword, 19th century. Collection Musee Guimet.