North Indian Short Sword
North Indian Short Sword
Northern British India (India - Pakistan)
Early 19th century (ca. 1800 - 1845)
Iron, gold, silver, ivory (elephant), brass, metal alloy (tin?)
Blade: 34cm
Hilt & Blade: 48,9cm
Hilt, Blade, & Sheath: 65,7cm
Collection Date: 2024
Collection Number: 428
A short sword originating from Northern India, very much similar to Afghan Khyber swords of the same shape, but slightly differing in form with the straight hilt, brass bolster, and blade decorations. This is an old example very likely from the early 19th century.
The steel blade is single- edged, adorned with a panel at the forte of gold and silver koftgari floral motifs of flowering buds and meandering vinework enclosed by geometric borders. Each side of the blade is slightly different in design. Thick T-shaped spine with linear zig-zag gold and silver koftgari. Elephant ivory hilt scales, which are now an orangish hue from age, attached by a brass bolster. With its original black leather over wood sheath. Cross wrapped leather mouth with a metal alloy (tin?) chape in repoussé of flowing floral buds and vines. The chape was probably an old replacement.
A very old example, with condition issues. Losses to the koftgari, forging flaws near the point, possibly shortened at one time. Moderate chip to one of the hilt scales with two scales loose. Losses to the leather on the sheath. A well traveled piece.