Tulwar 'Bikaner' sword
18th century
Overall length
92 cm
Materials
iron, steel
Dating
early 18th century
Provenance
UK art market
This item was sold 8 years ago but now offered for sale again. A fine and efficient Indian sword probably coming from the Bikaner armoury but lacking the typical dot-punch Bikaner markings. Maybe due to the blade being replaced. The handles' quillons ending in bulbous finals. A functional and elegant feature; the neck of the grip is slightly tilted allowing better grip and handling. The disc pommel with a raised rim and a sectioned pommel final. An inscription of the number '6' in Devanagari at the crossing. The heavy, curved single edge blade is smooth, deeply sharpened and still sharp. It comes with a good period scabbard that has some small staines. Condition is good. The quillons show forging flaws at the narrowest points. The other five swords of this design that we've encountered all have the same forging flaws.
REFERENCES
A similar sword Shah Jahan connection offered at Bonhams in 2021.
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This item is gone. Be sure to check out the available collection.
Sorry...
This item is gone. Be sure to check out the available collection.