Fine Kutch Talwar hilted Shamshir

A chiseled bronze talwar hilted shamshir with pattern welded blade. Kutch, West India - 19th century.

Details of this item

Price

 2.800

Status

Available

Region

South Asia (India, Sri-Lanka)
(Kutch region, West-India)

Period

19th century

Materials

Steel, Copper, Bronze, Gold, Wood, Leather

Price

 2.800

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

Literature