Rare 17th C. Indian Mughal Wootz Katar with Hindi Inscription and fine provenance to a Maharaj

A fine Indian katar of rare provenance. This katardates third quarter 17th century,The blade is forged of Indian wootz and has an armor-piercing tip. Using a loupe, the handle appears to be wootz. The handle is inlaid in fine thick gold koftgari with elements of flower and leaf patterns. Underneath the front of the handle is inscribed:

Thakur Shri Gulabsinghji Rampura

A Thakur is similar in rank to a duke or an earl. The scabbard is covered in royal purple and rose velvet and the chape may be wootz.. Overall length is 17,blade 9 inches, width 3 3/8 inches. This katar comes with a picture of and a signed letter of authenticity from Maharaj Durgapratupsinh Sisodia. In the letter, he states that this katar was presented to Maharaj Shri Gardharsinhji for his valor in battle. The Maharaj was also presented with a tulwar containing his name and the date 1662, hence the assigned date for the katar. The Thakur was a descendent of Maharaj Gardharsinhji. See http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/lot.158.lotnum.html/2009/arts- of-the-islamic-world-l09723 Sotheby's sale here for a sword tulwarsold also with provenance from MaharajDurgapratupsinh Sisodia.