An Indian Khanda
18th Century
With broad blade of finely watered wootz steel curved and double-edged at the point, reinforced at the forte and along the back over two thirds of its length with steel plates pierced with gold-damascened trefoils, the forte on both sides damascened with gold flower-heads and with arcaded piercing centred on a cartouche damascened in gold with calligraphy (worn on one side) steel tulwar hilt gold-damascened overall with flowering foliage against a gold ground and comprising pointed langets, waisted quillons with button terminals, curved tapering knuckle-guard with pierced bud-shaped finial, disc-shaped pommel with pierced button terminal on a domed petalled mount, and swelling ovoidal grip, in later velvet-covered wooden scabbard (gold worn and some rust patination overall)
79.5 cm. blade