Fall Fine Antique Arms, Armor & Art, Oct.26th
Lot 5290:
An interesting Indian tulwar of classic hilt but with a rather unique serrated blade. The hilts of this sword takes the form of the classic Indian tulwar, with a discoid pommel, swelling grip, and double quillons. The hilt is a classic regional tulwar style likely North Indian, though too indistinct in features to be assigned to a specific region, and decorated overall with silver and gold koftgari decoration. The blade appears to be a native layered steel blade which has been serrated along the cutting edge with a series of viscous looking indentations and sharpened points. Along the spine the blade has been indented. The scabbard is wood covered in leather. The blade is distinguished by the double pointed tip which is an interpretation of the Zulfikar sword of Mohammed. Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 38", Blade Length : 32 3/4". PLEASE VIEW MORE DETAILED CLOSEUP IMAGES BY VISITING OUR WEBSITE Sofedesignauctions.com THANK YOU !
Zulfikar swords are known throughout the Islamic world and depending on the culture zulfikar blades take different shapes and forms. In some cases, there are two thin blades side by side as can be found on some Ottoman Turkish swords. In India it is more common to see zulfikar blades as double pointed edges. Tirri (2003) and Paul (2005) illustrate two such swords and describe them both as a Tegha. Serrated blades on Indian swords are not unknown, and blades with indentations along the spine are also known although uncommon.
In the Royal Collection Trust U.K. several such swords can be found all with original collection provenance to the 19th century including Acc. No. RCIN 38425 and Acc. No. RCIN 38768.
This one is a very significant fighting saber with powerful and very vicious blade.
Comparable sales: References:
1. Elgood, R. (2004) Hindu Arms and Rituals.
2. Elgood, R. (2018) Rajput Arms and Armor.
3. Stone, G. (1934) A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration, and Use of Arms and Armor in All Countries and in All Times: Together with Some Closely Related Subjects. Portland, Maine: Southwork Press.
4. Tirri, A. (2003) Islamic Weapons: Maghrib to Moghul. Indigo
5. Paul, E.J. (2005) Arms and Armour Traditional Weapons of India.
Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected].
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