North Indian Short Sword
North Indian Short Sword
Mughal / Indian
Lahore - Delhi (India - Pakistan)
Late 18th - Early 19th century
Iron, gold, silver, ivory, brass, metal alloy (tin?)
Blade: 34cm
Hilt & Blade: 48,9cm
Hilt, Blade, & Sheath: 65,7cm
Collection Date: 2024
Collection Number: 428
Ex. American Art Market (2024)
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. The koftgari is reminiscent of Mughal work. This is a very old example from the late 18th to early 19th century.
The steel blade is single- edged with a well pronounced T-shaped cross-section section. 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 decoration. The spine and backstrap with linear gold and silver koftgari.
The hilt is composed of elephant ivory scales grips, which are now an orangish hue from age, attached by a brass bolster. Ending in an iron lanyard loop. 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.
[1] “The Dr. Leo S. Figiel Collection of Mogul Arms”. 1998. Page 82. #2097