Fine 17th-18th C. North Indian Rajput Khanda Sword with massive blade

A rare 18th C. Rajput sword with a superb khanda hilt and a massive blade of khyber form but displaying oversized proportions.

This example features a khanda hilt that retains the majority of the fine gold koftgari work associated with 18th C. Rajput floral forms, in a thick gold matte type decoration. The blade is a large, single edged and with a t-form spine, of the type associated with Khyber knives. The blade has a single maker mark at the ricasso of a small teardrop form. The blade is forged from a wide lamellar damascus which can be seen throughout on the large flat surfaces.

Tulwar handled khyber form swords are known but this is the first example we've encountered with a khanda shape handle which inclines us to attribute this to a Rajput warrior in Northern Indian. Another example, but with a tulwar, handle sold at Christie's and was original from the famed Leo Figiel collection, see href=http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/a-north-west- indian-or-persian-straight-sword-5668002-details.aspxhere afor the link.

The scabbard velvet is refinished but retains the original chiseled iron and gold koftgari scabbard chape.

Overall length is 38, blade is 30 and 2 1/4 wide at the ricasso.