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Scott Brown





Joined: 03 Mar 2008

Posts: 38

PostPosted: Mon 15 Feb, 2010 8:40 am    Post subject: Mercury Filled Swords?         Reply with quote

Hi All,

I've recently come across an interesting comment while reading up on the so-called "Indian Mutiny" and other various British Empire exploits:

"It may be mentioned here that Nicholson had the reputation of being one of the best swordsmen in India, and his sword had the credit of being the best sword in India. It was presented to him by the Sikh nation. Nicholson was invited to take his choice of three, and chose a straight one. Native swords are very seldom straight--they are generally curved. It was generally supposed that this sword was grooved inside and contained quicksilver, so as to increase the force of a direct blow." (Emphasis mine)

I've heard rumours of this sort of thing but always chocked it up to fanciful thinking so was quite surprised to come across this comment. I've done a cursory search here on the forums but haven't found anything on mercury/quicksilver filled swords. Does anyone know of any mercury filled swords (authentic historical, that is)? If so, would you mind linking photo's and/or location?

Thanks in advance.

Scott

Member, WMAC
wmacoalition.com
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Mackenzie Cosens




Location: Vancouver Canada
Joined: 08 Aug 2007

Posts: 238

PostPosted: Mon 15 Feb, 2010 11:50 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

There was a very fine curved single edge Near Eastern sword in the Maltwood collection at the University of Victoria that had a channel partially filled with steel ball bearings. It was on display some 20+ years ago.

http://www.maltwood.uvic.ca/k_maltwood/view/index.html
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Paul Hansen




Location: The Netherlands
Joined: 17 Mar 2005
Likes: 5 pages

Posts: 845

PostPosted: Tue 16 Feb, 2010 2:13 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Mackenzie Cosens wrote:
There was a very fine curved single edge Near Eastern sword in the Maltwood collection at the University of Victoria that had a channel partially filled with steel ball bearings. It was on display some 20+ years ago.


This variant is called "tears of the wounded" or "tears of the afflicted". You may be interested in reading this thread for some background information:
http://forums.swordforum.com/showthread.php?t...he+wounded

But a blade with rolling balls inside is easier to imagine than a sword with a channel for mercury inside... If anyone does have pictures, I'd also be very interested in seeing them. Big Grin
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