A fine dagger made of a spearhead with an interesting cross cultural feature. The carved hilt in typical Qajar style depicts two cartouches with portraits of Europeans. The Europeans are known for their typical clothing in the 17th and 18th century. A portret of a man and woman are depicted which could probably be a reminder to a couple being separated far from home.

The hilt:
Carved of marine ivory (Odobenus Rosmarus) and as mentioned above, the interesting part of this hilt is the depiction of Europeans. Probably traders who are depicted with a traditional ‘ruff‘ or ‘millstone collar‘. The lower part is carved with sections of flower petals surrounded by a pearl edge. One side is decorated with an elegant cartouche filled with a scale motive. The top end of the hilt is smooth and shows a clear visible walrus ivory structure with a typical inner core.

The blade:
Originally ment as spearhead with a double cutting edged, slightly reinforced tip and medial ridge, but as happened often, some of these spearheads were fitted on ‘khanjar‘ hilts making it an effective dagger. The blade is constructed with a fine wootz structure and has a thick flower shaped bade decorated in gold inlay. The reinforced tip was originally made to puncture chainmail armour. The typical Persian quality dark wootz steel is of high contrast.

Condition:
Good condition, the gold inlay is worn at some places and the ivory hilt has two small chips on the top of both portraits.

Dimensions:

Hilt: 9.8cm
Blade: 14cm
Total length: 33.8cm

Important note: Made before 1947. Comes with registered certificate, conform CITES law in the European Union. Custom rules apply outside Europe.