Mughal Tulwar Firangi Sword inlaid gold Mughal inlaid parasol

A fine and interesting tulwar of a type rarely found. This example as a grip which can be ascribed to North India with a ball pommel of a form found on pulwars. However this is clearly an Indian Mughal example and is mounted with an interesting blade of fine proportions which has an old and original inlay of gold of the Imperial Mughal parasol, or khilat. This is inlaid in the right style for original 18th C. or earlier workmanship though the hilt is likely no earlier than the 18th C.

Blades found with inlaid gold parasols are thought to indicate Imperial or Royal ownership or presentation to someone deserving of such recognition. It also may indicate that the weapon originally resided in a Royal armory but so many fine quality Indian weapons resided in Royal armories and do not have the inlaid parasol that the first origin is more likely.