Gorgeous 18th C. Indian Mughal Shamshir with kirk narduban blade

A very fine example of 18th century craftsmanship, this shamshir of Indian construction, features a very fine kirk narduban laddered pattern blade with fine contrast and an a hardened visible edge of darker wootz. The blade includes an inlaid pennant and a magic quare Baduh with four numbers as well as a beautifully inlaid car-touche with Islamic calligraphy.

The handle consists of dark woodand gold overlaid on all metal surfaces with thick Indian koftgari work. The original scabbard features red velvet material, while the shape likely has been replaced. The blade extends 32 inches, while the overall length of the item is 37 inches.

Indian wootz steel features a pattern of sheets of micro carbides within a tempered marten-site or pearlite matrix. Archaeological research has concluded that the technology origi-nated in contemporary Tamil Nadu. The 12th century Arab traveler Edrisi believed this steel was the best in the work because of its strength and piercing capacity.

The Mughal tribe, furthermore, were Persians of Mongol descent, and thus employed mar-tial skills like mounted archery. The people introduced Central Asian and Middle Eastern weaponry techniques to the sub-continent. The Mughals also served as patrons of Indian native arts.