Large War Axe, India, 19th Century

This battle axe originates from North India and, based on its style, can be dated to the first half of the 19th century. The silver inlay decoration is particularly rich and in fairly good condition despite some wear.
The axe head is crescent-shaped. Each face is decorated with an exuberant floral motif featuring flowers grouped in threes, foliage, and two large elephants charging with their trunks raised. The side opposite the cutting edge is shaped like a stylized trident, evoking Shiva's trisula, and also features silver decoration depicting an elephant. Cutting edge width = 18 cm, handle-to-cutting edge height = 17 cm, cutting edge-to-top of the opposite motif height = 28 cm. One side of the axe is more worn than the other.
Extending from the handle is a quadrangular point with a square cross-section (1.3 cm per side) and a length of 9.5 cm, protruding from an iron hemisphere.
The axe handle is made of iron, with a small remnant of silver inlay. It terminates in an iron ball. Handle length: 69 cm.

This axe is a beautiful object, and axes specifically from India are significantly rarer than Persian or Indo-Persian axes.
Shipping costs: France €30, Europe €40.
Ref A3Y-2634