18th C. South Indian Tulwar Shamshir with wootz watered blade, possibly Central Indian or Deccan

An interesting and elegant Indian tulwar of the period 1750-1850 likely from the Central Indian plateau. The overall form is of a classic Indian shamshir with a tulwar grip, but the tulwar handle itself is of a form rarely seen with a curved pommel that leans towards Southern or Central Indian origin. The bulge in the grip trendstowards the pommel instead of the middle, as in other tulwars, is also an indication of earlier origin and can be seen on some tulwars found in the Bikaner Armory, many of which were taken at the Battle of Adoni. However the higher level of quality of this sword is uncommon to those Bikaner swords.

The blade is very finely formed and has a fine watered wootz pattern all throughout. The grip is also likely wootz but it is now rubbed from having been held, though the pattern can be seen in the pommel. The gilding remains in very fine condition.

The leather scabbard is original but likely late 19th C.

Overall length is 37, blade is 31.