NDIAN GOLD- AND SILVER-DAMASCENED KHANJAR DAGGER

Ca. AD 1800�1900 An Indian khanjar dagger with a strongly curved steel blade tapering to a sharp point. The hilt is of characteristic pistol-grip form, terminating in a stylised bird�s-head pommel with a small projecting beak. The hilt and forte are finely decorated with gold and silver koftgari ornament, comprising foliate and geometric borders interspersed with animal motifs, including tigers, elephants and antelopes. The blade retains a plain cutting section below the decorated forte and shows a sculpted section along the spine near the base. The surface displays areas of wear and oxidation consistent with age. Size: 35mm Provenance: Private London collection; US art market, before 2000. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.

Estimate:£500

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