Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 10:00 PM UTC
Lot 73:
An Indian sword dating to the 18th century, this example is classically termed a Dhup by Stone (1934) and Elgood (2004). Both authors describe a straight bladed Indiansword with a disc pommel and a short spike. These long straight swords were consideredemblems of authority and conferred as a mark of distinction on successful soldiers, nobles andfavourites. The Mughals used these swords as a staff sword conveying rank, and they wouldoften be made from European trade blades, in which case they were known as firangis. Whenthey used an Indian made blade, also called sukhela, these swords would then be known as adhup or sukhela.The example in the Schmiedt Collection of fine quality workmanship. The hilt is in the classicIndian style, with a discoid pommel, swelling grip, and two short rounded quillons. The hilt offine quality in chiseled iron and with gilding embellishment to the raised surfaced, now worn.The floral decoration on the handle with five petalled flowers surrounding a six petaled flower inthe swollen grip. These floral designs can be found through North and Central India and aredifficult to directly attribute to a specific region though these swords are found through MughalIndia and among the Mahrattas. The crossguard terminates with a stylized lotus bud at the tipnear the pommel.The blade is a native made blade, and with a visible layered patterned damascus iron pattern, anda false edge for the last fifth of the blade.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 37 3/4" Blade Length : 33"References:1. Elgood, R. (2004) Hindu Arms and Rituals.2. Elgood, R. (2018) Rajput Arms and Armor.There are hundreds of examples of Indian tulwar hilted sword sales, from those selling for $50 to those in thetens of thousands. The vast majority of swords are sold for between $200â€Â1000. Higher quality swords aredistinguished by the quality of the workmanship on the blade, handle, and whether they are complete. Listingcomparable sales would not produce a useful metric and the value is based on handling hundreds of tulwars overthe period of nearly 35 years and reviewing sales for dozens of tulwars.Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at info@sofedesignauctions.com
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