A North Indian Scissor blade Katar

A North Indian Scissor blade Katar

It must be said that many collectors of Indian weapons think these types are 20th century fantasy tourist productions, but there is a notice that a scissor katar was given as presentation gift to the Prince of Wales in 1875-6 by the Maharaja of Mandi as described in ”Indian Art at the Marlborough House” by C. Purdon Clarke. (object number 175). This example dates from the second half of the 19th century and is comparible with the one presented to the Prince of Wales. The old genuine examples have long blades and better quality koftgari then the later reproductions which have shorter, wider blades and mostly hastly silver inlay.

North India, 19th century

Materials: Steel,Gold,Silver,Wood, Velvet

Status: Sold

A scissor katar from Rajasthan, India, 19th century.

Description

A very scarce scissor katar also known as Seshlikaneth or Kenchi katar. The katar is a well known type of punch dagger from India. Various types are found in different regions of India. This example comes from the Northern part of India, Punjab

The external blade is openable in two sections; straight and double-edged, decorated for the half of the length with golden and silver geometrical koftgari motifs. Internal blade, straight and double-edged, with ribbed and slightly enlarged tip. Iron hilt, grip composed of two crossbars, by pulling the mobile one the external blade opens. The hilt is engraved with golden and silver geometrical and floral motifs. The wooden scabbard is covered with fabrics in red and kahki.

Condition: Good condition, the mechanism works fine. there is a little pitting on the blades. Slight ware on the koftgari due to it’s age. Contains it’s original velvet covered scabbard.