129897_auctions-imperial-2018-arms-and-armor-november/
Lot 282:
Description
South Indian, likely Mysore. The hilt wrought entirely of silver, the pommel a fully modeled and highly detailed lion’s head with the mane, whiskers, fangs and tongue superbly delineated, with areas of parcel gilding. The grip flares at the base and terminates in bud finials, with deeply embossed and engraved acanthus leaves and scrolls, together with a parrot on either side. The unusual double clamshell guard duplicates the form, function and decoration of those found on French swords of the period; it is quite thick, which both protects the hand well and allows for substantial embellishment on each side. Its beaded edge is likewise a typical border for smallsword guards and is echoed on the edge of the en suite silver scabbard tip as well. Suspended from the guard is a fine crimson silk knot of eight tassels. Each is of multi-stage type and is bound with colored and silver braid. The robust blade is of kirach form, straight, with a concave backedge that meets the tip in an even curve. Both the cutting edge and backedge are quite sharp and retain their original mirror-polished chamfer. The blade is characteristically forged of two wootz billets, the superior and finely-detailed pattern silver-white in contrast with discrete dark borders and tempered quite hard. In its silk-velvet covered wooden scabbard. Latter 18th century. Gilding worn. Overall length 86.4 cm. Condition I
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