Northern style Firanghi

The ‘Firanghi’ is a typical straight sword which was named ‘foreigner’ due to the origin of the blades on most of these swords. The ‘Firanghi’ is commonly fitted with a fine quality European blade which is shaped in preferred form. The quality of the European blades was very popular among the Mughal and Deccan. The ‘Firanghi’ often features a Hindu basket hilt with the blade riveted to the hilt with two langets.

In this case, a typical hardly seen Northern ‘hakim shahi’ hilt which is attached to the blade with resin. The hilt is lavishly decorated in gold arabesque patterns surrounding  flower petals. The hilt features two bold quillons and has a pommel disc with domed pommel, all decorated in the same manner. Hilts like these are often attributed to the Northern regions.

The blade seems local made in Europese manner, springy and flexible like the quality of European rapiers with a series of three fullers running down the entire length of the blade. The spine is flattened and ends in a false edge covering nearly a quarter of the blade. The forte of the blade has a small hole which was filled with brass.

The scabbard consists of two wooden slabs, held together with its original brown leather. The tip is made of steel and the locket is made of fine chiseled silver depicting a border of tulips and branches on both sides.