Name/Title
Firangi / FirangiEntry/Object ID
161; Full Code: 161.15.34-SW-IATags
SwordDescription
Item Description: Antique Firangi (Maratha Straight Sword)
This is an authentic Antique Firangi, a cornerstone of the 17th to 19th-century Maratha and Rajput military arsenals. The term Firangi (meaning "Foreigner") traditionally refers to the straight, high-quality blades imported from Europe (Portugal, Germany, or Italy) that were then fitted with characteristic Indian hilts. This specimen is particularly notable for its original blade markings, which serve as a historical "serial number" for its origin and quality.
Core Components & Historical Engineering
The Blade: A long, straight, single-edged blade. The surface exhibits an "honest" historical patina with scattered pitting, consistent with centuries of age.
The Markings: The presence of etched or stamped markings on the blade is a critical feature. Historically, these could include:
European Guild Marks: Such as the "Passau Running Wolf" or "Solingen" marks, signifying a blade of superior flexibility and temper.
Devotional Inscriptions: Local additions of "Om" or "Shree," intended to "process" the foreign blade into a sacred Indian martial context.
The Hilt (Indo-Muslim / Maratha Style): Features a comprehensive steel basket hilt providing near-total hand protection. The grip is ergonomically contoured, and the guard is reinforced with long steel langets that extend down the blade to stabilize the hilt-to-blade junction during high-torque strikes.
The Pommel Spike: A long, curved steel spike extends from the pommel. Mechanically, this allowed for two-handed use to increase leverage or delivered percussive "hammer blows" in close-quarters combat.
Scabbard: Housed in a wooden-core scabbard wrapped in black leather. The throat is reinforced with a cord wrap, mirroring the tactical "process" knots seen elsewhere in your collection.
This Firangi sword is most likely of German made blade (can be made out from the markings at the bottom and contemporary blades in various catalogues).Made/Created
Manufacturer
Unknown ArtisanDate made
circa 1600 - circa 1650Time Period
17th CenturyDimensions
Dimension Description
48"Length
38 inMaterial
HCS (German Mrkngs)Acquisition
Acquisition Method
PurchasePlace
City
HyderabadRegion
South India
