North Indian Short Sword
North Indian Short Sword
Mughal / Indian
Lahore - Delhi, India (Pakistan - India)
Early 19th century
Steel, silver, gold, ivory, wood, leather, metal alloy
Blade: 32,7cm
Hilt & Blade: 48,3cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 54cm
Collection Date: 2019
Collection Number: 58
Ex. Harry Wagner Collection: Columbus, Ohio, USA (2019)
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 an old example from the early 19th century.
The steel blade is single- edged with a well pronounced T-shaped cross section spine. Adorned with a zig-zag panel at the forte. Inside, silver and gold koftgari include floral motifs of flowering buds and meandering vinework. Each side of the blade is slightly different in decoration. The spine and backstrap with gold linear and zig-zag koftgari, ending in an iron lanyard loop.
The hilt is composed of elephant ivory scale grips, riveted in place on each side by three iron nails. The hilt is now a deep orangish hue patina from age. Brass bolster with circle- dot motifs stamped. With its original black leather over wood sheath with a metal alloy silver chape in repoussé of flowing floral buds and vines between two opposing peacoocks, suggesting a Hindu origin.
A very old example, with condition issues. Losses to the koftgari, fading to one side of the hilt and damage to the sheath. A well traveled piece.
[1] “The Dr. Leo S. Figiel Collection of Mogul Arms”. 1998. Page 82. #2097