A Fine Large Indian crystalline Wootz Katar
Deccan Plateau - North India (India)
18th century - Early 19th century
Crucible steel, crystalline wootz steel, gold and silver gilt
Blade: 30,5cm
Hilt & Blade: 53,3cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: -cm
Collection Date: 2023

Ex. Oriental Arms: Haifa, Israel (2023) (https://oriental-arms.com/product/heavy-wootz-kattar-north-india/)
Ex. Antony Cribb: Berkshire, UK (2022) (Antony Cribb LTD: Newbury, United Kingdom: Day One Winter Virtual Arms and Armour Auction: November 29, 2022: Lot 68)

A fine large crystalline wootz katar dating to the 18th to early 19th century. This massive and heavy example has a straight double-eged steel blade with a central multi-fullered section of crystalline wootz steel with the reinforced outside edges and tip highly polished. A semi-circular langlet of chiseled flowers and foliage spans into a central rib that thickens into an armor pierecing tip (zirrah bouk).

Steel dished-shaped guard of two fluted cross bar form, side bars in heavily pierced and beaded edges. The entire hilt was gold and silver gilt, of which some of it is now lost through time.

It is unclear on the origin of this katar where similar examples of pierced and beaded edges are often attributed to Tanjore or Mysore craftsmanship while the decorated floral langlet and polished blade in crystalline wootz is a style found in North India and very similiar to blades of pahari or cobra swords. It may be possible that it was remounted at some point in time.

This example was in need of some minor cleaning when received, and all 247 pierced edges were cleaned to unplug years of dirt and grime buildup using a pin, needle, and interdental brushes to bring this magnificent katar back to glory. A beautiful and exceptional example.