Fine Kutch Talwar hilted Shamshir
Price
Status
Available
Region
South Asia (India, Sri-Lanka)
(Kutch region, West-India)
Period
19th century
Materials
Steel, Copper, Bronze, Gold, Wood, Leather
Description
A fine ‘talwar‘ hilted ‘shamshir‘ from the Kutch region. The ‘shamshir‘ is of Persian origin and is often referred to as ‘lion claw’ due to its heavy curve representing a claw. The grips vary by region and are traditionally fitted with a pistol grip hilt with horn or ivory slabs, full steel or mounted on an Indian ‘talwar‘ hilt such as our example here.
The hilt:
A typical Kutch area ‘Hakim Khani‘ talwar hilt, made of casted bronze. Decorated in elaborate chisel work depicting floral motifs, foliage and tendrils. The knuckle guard is looping into a small knob which is fully decorated as well and functions to catch the opponents blade. The pommel is disc shaped and features a small dome which is also decorated in the same manner. The hilts of these swords were fitted with a kind of resin of which a small residue is still seen in the transition from blade to hilt.
The blade:
Made of pattern welded steel with showing a slight contrast in its current condition. The blade has a deep curve, single edge and a slightly rounded spine running down towards the tip. The point of balance is approximately ten centimeters from the forte making it surprisingly easy to handle. The end of the forte of the blade is decorated with inlayed metal cartouche and a line of ‘Urdu‘ calligraphy running toward the mid section, mimicking an religious phrase or quality blade smiths mark, however many swords were inlayed to make them more interesting when being sold.
Comes with its original scabbard with ‘tombak’ fittings, which are made of thick gilded copper depicting chased lotus petals and foliage.
Fine Kutch Talwar hilted Shamshir
Condition
Good condition, minor movement on the pommel disc.
Dimensions
Hilt length: 20.4cm
Blade length: 76cm
Blade spine thickness: 4.5mm
Scabbard length: 80cm
Total length: 90cm
Weight
1160g.
Comparable items
Provenance
French art market