Indian Katar / Dagger, Inlaid With Gold And Silver, 18th Century

Ex collection Georgia CHrischilles Acquired during the badnea event June 8, 1999 in Brussels The thin, triangular blade has a reinforced tip, a central edge as well as two solids on each side. The H-shaped iron handle has two straight concave arms that protect the side of the hand and the wrist, which are attached to the double baluster-shaped handle. The entire hilt is damascened in silver, and gold with floral designs inside and outside the branches, as well as less elaborate plant panels on the double hilt. The katar is probably the most famous type of dagger in India and was not used anywhere else. With its thickened tip and cross-handle, this style of dagger is designed to effectively penetrate chain mail and other pieces of protective armor in close combat. The Katars are repeatedly depicted in Indian manuscript paintings from the 16th to the 19th centuries. It was used by all armed men, although it seems to have been particularly common among the upper strata of society. This example is special for the thin but thick and heavy blade with a heavily reinforced tip and fullers.
Length 36.5 cm, width 6.5 cm